Worldwide
2025 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Awards: Celebrating humanitarian leadership
A Cameroonian village chief is among those honoured for outstanding courage and compassion for refugees.
Worldwide
Our top five moments of 2025
We hope you enjoy this collection of stories celebrating the incredible difference former refugees and New Zealanders are making across Aotearoa and beyond.
Eyad Masoud on becoming a champion swimmer and advocate
Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR Ambassador Eyad Masoud is a former refugee from Syria, a retired professional swimmer and an engineer now living in Auckland.
In 2019, Eyad was awarded a Refugee Olympic Team Scholarship from the International Olympic Committee, giving him financial support and access to elite training as he pursued his Olympic dream. While he hasn’t yet secured a spot on the Refugee Olympic Team, swimming has always been more than a sport for him – it has been a source of strength and purpose through many challenges.
Today, Eyad is using his platform to raise awareness and advocate for refugees around the world, while honouring the kindness and support he has received from New Zealanders.
“At some point as a refugee, once you get to a place where you’re able to give back to society, it’s duty to jump in there, show initiative and take the lead in helping others through tough times until they get to the other side of it,” says Eyad.
Refugee families reunite in Uganda
With your support, UNHCR is helping unaccompanied children in Uganda reunite with their loved ones and reclaim their childhoods.
Tragically, conflict in countries such as Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo can tear families apart, forcing children to flee to Uganda alone. Thanks to the generosity of New Zealanders, UNHCR guides unaccompanied children to safety, connects them with trusted foster carers and traces family members.
Omwali*, 16, was separated from her grandmother, Nia*, while escaping violence in the DRC. In Nakivale refugee settlement, UNHCR and partners ensured she was safely cared for while they searched for her family. Four months later, they were reunited.
“We ran and hugged,” says Nia. “We were so happy that we cried.”
Read more on how you are helping unaccompanied children find safety.
*Names changed for protection reasons
Omwali* and Nia* outside their home in Nakivale refugee settlement.
Abdul Samad Haidari’s journey from refugee to advocate
After fleeing Afghanistan, Abdul Samad Haidari found a new beginning in Wellington. Arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand brought him a sense of freedom and opportunity he had never known, and it marked the start of his journey to support others.
Today, Abdul is a Refugee Background Student Adviser at Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University. In this role, he helps refugee students navigate the challenges of studying in a new country, offering practical guidance and connecting them with social support networks.
Through his work, Abdul sees the resilience and talent refugees bring with them. While many carry the weight of past trauma, they also contribute expertise, vision and determination that enrich their communities.
Abdul Samad Haidari is passionate about his role as the Refugee Background Student Adviser at Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University, Wellington.
Madiha becomes a human rights lawyer
Madiha fled Pakistan with her family and spent five years as a refugee in Indonesia before finally resettling in New Zealand. Adjusting to life in a new country was challenging, but over time, she found her place and purpose.
Madiha completed a law degree at the University of Waikato and now works in Auckland as a lawyer specialising in refugee and human rights. Her lived experience continues to guide her work, whether she is challenging misconceptions or ensuring refugees voices are heard.
Over the years, she has contributed to governance, advisory roles and legal advocacy, all driven by her desire to give back.
“I know exactly how it feels to be in that position – not necessarily having a voice to speak,” says Madiha. Now that I do, I want to do something with that voice.”
Madiha Ali fled Pakistan and now lives in New Zealand, where she is a lawyer specialising in refugee and human rights.
Kay leaves a gift in her Will
For Kay, supporting displaced families started with something simple: noticing the UNHCR logo on tents while watching news coverage of global crises.
"Learning about the wide range of work that UNHCR does inspired me.”
Kay decided to leave a gift to Aotearoa New Zealand for UNHCR in her Will, a meaningful way to ensure her support will reach people in need in the future.
“Leaving a gift in your Will is simple, and I would say to anyone: do it if you are able to. New Zealanders are generous and caring, and this is a worthwhile cause.”
