In Edmonton, Free Play for Kids’ Welcome to Play program creates a space where the simple act of play becomes something much more profound — a bridge to healing, connection and belonging. The post A new beginning through play: how Welcome to Play brings hope, healing and belonging to kids in Edmonton appeared first on UNHCR Canada.

Fifteen years ago, Jean Claude recognized that in his public housing community, integrating vulnerable youth—often newcomers and refugees—into the community was not enough, nor was the simple goal of keeping them out of trouble. What was missing was an opportunity for these youth to feel a sense of belonging and a pathway to contribute. Fortunately, Jean Claude knew firsthand the power of soccer to bring people together and create belonging. The post Calgary’s Soccer Without Boundaries: ‘We invest in them, they come back as mentors’ appeared first on UNHCR Canada.

This is a summary of what was said by Bernadette Castel-Hollingworth, UNHCR Representative in Ukraine – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The post UNHCR appalled by attacks on aid operations and rising civilian toll in Ukraine appeared first on UNHCR Canada.

I strongly condemn last night’s Russian missile and drone attack on Dnipro, that claimed at least two civilian lives, injured more, and also hit a UNHCR-contracted warehouse, resulting in the destruction of significant amounts of humanitarian aid and shelter materials. I send my deepest condolences to the families of the two warehouse workers who lost The post Statement by UNHCR Representative on deadly attack on Dnipro, destroying humanitarian aid in UNHCR’s warehouse appeared first on UNHCR Canada.

Ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is announcing a symbolic team of global football players with a refugee or displacement background. This Gamechanging Team embodies hope, courage, resilience and the power of what is possible when young people displaced by war and persecution find safety, opportunity and welcome.  The post Uprooted to unstoppable: Gamechanging Team, captained by Alphonso Davies, inspires fans and refugees to believe in the possible appeared first on UNHCR Canada.

One month ahead of the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today launched More Than a Game, a national campaign highlighting how soccer is helping refugees across Canada connect with their communities and build a sense of belonging. The post Soccer as a ‘bridge to belonging’: UNHCR Canada launches More Than a Game campaign ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ appeared first on UNHCR Canada.

Héritier was born in 1998 in Goma, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, during a time of violent conflict. His earliest years unfolded in uncertainty, as war disrupted daily life and forced families to make impossible choices. When Héritier was six years old, his family fled in search of safety and began a new life in Canada. The post “Soccer gave me community”: How Héritier Masimengo found integration and belonging through soccer appeared first on UNHCR Canada.

On April 29, 2026, UNHCR Canada was invited to appear before the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM) as part of its study of Canada’s immigration system. UNHCR Canada Representative Tracey Maulfair and Senior Legal Officer Azadeh Tamjeedi presented on behalf of UNHCR.   Video recording of the CIMM appearance (April 29, 2026)  Thank you for the opportunity The post UNHCR: ‘Asylum is not merely an act of generosity, it’s an expression of courage’ appeared first on UNHCR Canada.

Thanks to support from donors such as the Government of Canada, Lucía was able to rebuild her life far from threats and now contributes to the community that welcomed her. The post Turning hardship into hope: A Refugee in El Salvador transforms her experience of displacement into resilience and hope appeared first on UNHCR Canada.

Despite an announced ceasefire in place since 17 April, the displacement and humanitarian crisis in Lebanon is far from over. This is a deeply fragile moment, marked by ongoing Israeli airstrikes, shelling, demolitions, evacuation orders, bans on return to certain areas and movement restrictions that continue to drive repeated displacement and rapidly growing humanitarian needs. The post UNHCR: Despite announced ceasefire, more people are forced to flee their homes in Lebanon appeared first on UNHCR Canada.