#worldrefugeeday

Today is World Refugee Day, a day to raise awareness for people who have been forced to flee their country in order to escape war, persecution or natural disaster. Here are eight must-read stories from NPR’s archives: 

1. CHART: Where The World’s Refugees Are

A report from the U.N. Refugee Agency shows some surprising trends in the world’s refugee crisis.

2. ‘Your Children Are Safe’: A Town In Wales Welcomes Refugees From Syria

The U.K. began its community sponsorship program for Syrians in 2016. Some refugees who arrived earlier have helped newcomers settle in — and are persuading Welsh communities to open their doors.

3. A 10-Year-Old Kid Is Making Magic With His Kites

In a bleak Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh, Fayes Khamal has found a way to bring joy to other kids.

4. This Farmer Wants To Make Quinoa A 'Thing’ In Rwanda

The incredible story of a former Rwandan refugee who is now a Ph.D. student studying crop science at Washington State University. In this interview, Cedric Habiyaremye explains why his MOM is has been a motivation, from his bleakest moments at the camp to now.

5. 5 Surprising Facts About The Refugee Crisis

6. The U.S. Has Accepted Only 11 Syrian Refugees This Year

Did you know? A shockingly high percent of the world’s displaced are kids. More than half the refugees around the globe are under the age of 18, even though children make up 31 percent of the world’s population.

7. He Brought Refugees Together With A Soccer Ball

In 2016, near the end of Barack Obama’s presidency, the U.S. resettled 15,479 Syrian refugees, according to State Department figures. In 2017, the country let in 3,024. In April, that number was just 11.

“Though we have two sides, at least when you are in a team you have a number of people who are fighting for the same goal. They become one,” says Robert Hakiza explains how soccer helped unite a fractured refugee community in Uganda.

8. Chechnya’s LGBT Muslim Refugees Struggle To CopeIn Exile

Abdul Kadr and Artur fled their homes in Chechnya because of their sexuality and are now living in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is one of a handful of countries in Europe offering protection to gay Chechens.

World Refugee Day commemorates the obstacles refugees face each year, while also celebrating their courage and strength.

Sesame Workshop and partners have and continue to support Syrian and Rohingya refugee children with early childhood education programs.