UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

"To Walk in Their Shoes" 🩵 "During my childhood, we had interesting stories and cultural histories. We heard them from our grandmother, neighbors, and sometimes at school. But after becoming a refugee, I could only recall the suffering I faced. Unfortunately, my children know almost nothing about that time and are disconnected from our folktales. Sometimes, I don't even want to remember how we were in Myanmar. I feel lost and empty," said Jobaira, a #Rohingya refugee woman. In 2020, I started a career in #humanitarian work after leaving 3 years of development sector work. I was allowed to experience what it felt like to be alone in an unfamiliar city, 187 miles from my family. I wanted to see if any of it felt familiar and if I could bring the past out of the shadows and into the light. I took this chance to see if the room was still full. The humanitarian crisis management theme and context were all new to me. I read books and articles, watched TV, and even movies about refugee life. I saw the suffering through words, videos, pictures, and other media. This was the first time everything was in front of me, and I felt the full weight of these significant responsibilities on my shoulders. Then, I decided to walk in their shoes, to put myself in their place as best I could. I wanted to feel their stories more deeply. Finally, I felt at peace, knowing I was where I was supposed to be. I spent days walking through refugee camps, talking with refugees, and listening to their stories every day. Putting myself in others' shoes was challenging. I worked for several organizations and contributed in different ways. All these experiences clarified my journey and pushed me to find my way. I met leaders who motivated me and chose me to be part of humanitarian efforts. I saw my supervisors, peers, and colleagues dedicated to helping others, reflecting deep empathy for humanity. I learned that rebuilding a life is always possible with the proper support and mindset. I met people in Rohingya #refugee camps, and each of their #stories is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, hope and resilience can light the way forward. Remembering Ai Wei Wei's words, "The refugee crisis isn't about refugees. It's about us," I realized that how we treat people who flee war, conflict, and persecution is part of the ongoing struggle between our better and darker instincts. Now, I am working with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Bangladesh and #protection is its mandate. This mandate is reflected everywhere, from the grassroots level to the highest, and I have seen how refugees trust #UNHCR. I always notice a glimmer of hope in their eyes whenever they come to UNHCR for assistance. For me, indeed, it's a rewarding and challenging experience. #humanitariansatwork