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Indigenous Kuna children and Colombian refugees live and study together in Panama
28 Dec 2006 On the southern tip of Panama's Caribbean coast in the town of Puerto Obaldia, local indigenous Kuna schoolchildren are living with Colombian refugees and studying alongside them in a secondary school set up by a UNHCR partner designed to benefit the whole society. -
A proud Iraqi laments violence against women from her Spanish exile
6 Dec 2006 Taiseer thought things would get better when US-led forces toppled Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq three years ago. Instead, the country has plunged into chaos and the position and status of women has deteriorated. She left for Spain in 2004, but often thinks about those left behind. -
UNHCR welcomes positive outcome for 51 boat people off Malta
21 Jul 2006 UNHCR has welcomed the Spanish government's role in finding a solution for a group of people stuck off the coast of Malta since being rescued by a Spanish fishing trawler. -
World Cup fever puts soccer-crazy refugee in the Panama spotlight
6 Jul 2006 World Cup fever has put sportscaster Tomas Begazo firmly in the public spotlight in Panama. But it has been a tough 15-year journey getting there for the Peruvian refugee, whose love of football has helped him weather hard times and achieve success in his new home. -
As thousands risk their lives at sea to reach Europe, UNHCR calls for a broad joint response to deal with the challenge
24 May 2006 As thousands of people risk their lives every month making the perilous journey by boat from North Africa to reach Europe, UNHCR calls for a better joint response to deal with the challenges of mixed, maritime migratory flows. The Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, Erika Feller, was in the Canary Islands today to meet the authorities and see for herself the situation of recent boat arrivals. -
Colombian indigenous leaders flee to Panama after death threats
19 May 2006 Seven leaders of Colombia's Wounaan indigenous group, recently forced off their ancestral lands by one of Colombia's irregular armed groups, arrived in Panama this week by boat after fleeing death threats. -
Helping the hidden refugees in Panama
17 Oct 2005 While thousands of Colombians flee to neighbouring countries every year, many do not realize that their suffering at the hands of illegal armed groups gives them the right to ask for protection as refugees. In Panama, the UN refugee agency is working first of all to identify these "invisible" refugees, then to help them start a new life. -
Tears of tranquillity: the tale of a Colombian refugee in Panama
5 Oct 2005 Like many refugees, Maria and her family fled Colombia with very little, and have had to depend on their own determination and tenacity - along with a little help from the UN refugee agency - to create an entirely new life for themselves in Panama. Unlike some, this resourceful middle-aged matriarch was up and running in no time at all. -
Colombian singer lends voice to refugee cause
30 Aug 2005 Through his concerts in Spain, award-winning rock star Juanes is drawing attention to the plight of refugees and displaced people, something the Medellín-born singer-songwriter knows well.