World Refugee Day: Stories of Resilience, Hope, and Global Solidarity

World Refugee Day, organized by the UN, is celebrated on June 20th. It began in 2001 to mark 50 years since the 1951 Refugee Convention and, ever since, has served as a yearly reminder of the strength and courage of the millions who have been forced to flee their homes. This year’s theme is solidarity with refugees, emphasizing the importance of compassion and support.

Statistics alone can’t capture the complexity of displacement, but personal stories breathe life into the numbers, reminding us that behind each data point is a lived experience. Today, we share three survival stories — voices that turn statistics into a story of hope, reveal the power of community, and invite deeper global solidarity.

Tareq Hadhad: From Bombed Factory to Chocolate Ambassador

Tareq Hadhad’s story is a powerful reflection of the refugee experience. In Syria, his family built a successful chocolate business, but everything they had worked for was destroyed when war broke out. Forced to leave their home, their business, and their history behind, they set out in search of a new beginning.

When the Hadhads arrived in Nova Scotia as refugees, all they had was their determination. Drawing on his family’s legacy, Tareq started Peace by Chocolate, bringing their craft back to life. Through every chocolate bar, they told a story of hope, resilience, and kindness.

Tareq’s path was not easy. He faced cultural barriers, financial struggles, and the pain of displacement. But he built bridges across communities, refusing to let loss define him. Today, he’s more than a chocolatier; he’s a celebrated entrepreneur, public speaker, and advocate for peace, using his platform to inspire others and champion the contributions of refugees worldwide.

Significant Details

• Giving Back: Tareq donates a portion of profits to global peace-building initiatives. He also commits to hiring refugees, mentoring refugee-led startups, and supporting local organizations, including Indigenous communities and mental health programs.
• A Shining Example: The company became a case study in refugee integration programs, proving newcomers can drive rural revitalization.
• Legal Empowerment: The Hadhad family’s resettlement through Canada’s sponsorship program shows how structured legal pathways can lead to successful integration.
  

Nahid Khajazada: Afghan Dreamer Building Robots and Breaking Barriers

Nahid Khajazada grew up in Herat, Afghanistan, where she developed a passion for science and technology from an early age. In 2017, she earned a spot on the Afghan Dreamers, the nation’s first all-girls robotics team, and spent nights soldering parts in a basement workshop while dreaming of international competitions. In August 2021, the Taliban assumed power following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, shuttering secondary schools for girls. The team’s lab fell silent, and Nahid’s family faced mounting threats. Desperate to keep her education alive, she fled Afghanistan as a refugee and was eventually resettled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

There, community sponsors helped her enroll in the Community College of Allegheny County’s mechatronics program. Today, she mentors young coders and recently spoke at a screening of “Rule Breakers,” the 2025 film inspired by her journey. Her path from exile to STEM advocate proves that dreams can survive unexpected detours.

Important Takeaways

• The Role of Education: Access to education can transform the lives of refugees, providing them with critical skills and the confidence to rebuild their futures in new environments.
• Gender Inequality: Nahid’s story reflects the harsh gender oppression she faced in Afghanistan and the broader double standard female refugees often encounter.
• Afghan Refugees: Like many Afghan refugees, Nahid has faced the daunting challenges of navigating complex resettlement processes, overcoming cultural and language barriers, and coping with the hardships of displacement.
  

Oleana: Healing War Trauma Through Music in Poland

Oleana, a music teacher from Mariupol, Ukraine, led a peaceful life teaching children and nurturing her love for music. In February 2022, her world was upended when Russian forces invaded, and Mariupol became a battleground. Amid relentless shelling, she fled with her family, enduring a perilous journey to Poland.

Upon arriving in Rzeszów, Oleana sought ways to rebuild her life. She approached the TUTU Center, initially offering to volunteer. Recognizing her expertise, the center employed her as a music therapist. There, she began helping refugee children cope with trauma through music, witnessing their transformation from withdrawn to joyful participants.

Today, Oleana continues her work at the TUTU Center, finding purpose in aiding others while healing herself. Though uncertain about returning to Mariupol, she remains dedicated to supporting displaced children, using music as a bridge to recovery and hope.

Key Highlights

• Mental Health: Through her work as a music therapist, Oleana is helping fellow refugees heal from the trauma of war, showing how vital mental health support is for those affected by warfare
• Art and Music Therapy: Art and music are powerful tools for healing refugee trauma, helping displaced individuals, especially children, to process emotions and rebuild a sense of normalcy
• Community Bridge: Polish and Ukrainian children play side by side, countering isolation and strengthening social cohesion.
  

Why These Stories Matter

While data provides essential context and credibility, relying solely on statistics can obscure the individual human experiences behind displacement. Personal stories are not only vital for restoring humanity to these experiences — they are also powerful tools in advocacy. Studies have shown that personal narratives, particularly those of refugees, can evoke stronger empathy and drive higher engagement compared to statistical information.

This phenomenon, known as the “identifiable victim effect,” demonstrates that people are more compelled to act when they connect with a specific individual’s story rather than abstract numbers. The power of storytelling can influence public opinion and political will, ultimately contributing to the development of more compassionate and effective policies that support refugees’ rights and opportunities.

Moving Forward

The journeys of Tareq, Nahid, and Oleana remind us how refugees are, above all, resilient. On this World Refugee Day, we hope this resilience will inspire the world to match courage with action. Together, we can ensure tomorrow’s immigrant experience features opportunity, dignity, and lasting peace for all.

ICMC advocates for the rights of all uprooted people, including asylum seekers, refugees, internally displaced persons, and all migrants. ICMC and its members, the national conferences of Catholic bishops worldwide, remain committed to supporting policies and programs that produce sustainable solutions for people on the move around the world.

ICMC’s efforts include protecting internally displaced children in Burkina Faso, providing support to survivors of gender-based violence in Malaysia, aiding displaced Ukrainians, and more.

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