Young refugees and asylum seekers explore hope and healing through art
Young refugees and asylum seekers explore hope and healing through art
Rojan Elmo Barcelon demonstrates art techniques, capturing the attention of the young audience eager to learn from the Filipino artist.
They came bearing stories of hope and dreams for the future at the Justice Hall of the Philippines’ Department of Justice which was turned into an art studio for the day, 10 young refugees and asylum seekers gathered around a long table for a special art workshop led by Filipino artist Rojan Elmo Barcelon, creating space for expression, healing, and connection through creativity.
Organized by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in partnership with the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) and Community and Family Services International (CFSI), and hosted by the Department of Justice – Refugees and Stateless Persons Protection Unit (DOJ-RSPPU), the activity aimed to empower young forcibly displaced individuals by giving them a safe platform to explore their thoughts on their journey to rebuild their lives.
A colorful artwork takes shape under the careful hands of a young participant, symbolizing safety and belonging.
A group of young refugees and asylum seekers gather around a long table, their hands busy with colored pencils, cut outs of colored paper, and other art materials, transforming the DOJ justice hall into a space of healing.
A participant concentrates on her artwork, capturing memories of joy and dreams for the future in vibrant hues.
Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo, Head of National Office of UNHCR Philippines, shares a few words with participants, emphasizing the importance of youth voices in refugee protection and addressing statelessness advocacy.
State Counsel Paulito de Jesus of the DOJ-RSPPU engages with the young participants and their guardians, reaffirming the government’s commitment to child-friendly spaces and ensuring a favourable protection environment for the forcibly displaced, stateless, and at risk of statelessness.
A pair of young sisters patiently craft their artwork, reflecting their hopes and dreams for the future.
Barcelon observes a participant’s drawing, offering encouragement and insight into the creative process.
Two young participants exchange ideas over their experiences and aspirations.
Barcelon guides young participants through the creative exercise, encouraging self-expression through color and form.
“This is the second in a series of art workshops we have held with PLCPD, the first being in Basilan and organized for children at risk of statelessness. Oftentimes we hear the sentiments of adult refugees and stateless persons, but we have never had a space where we are able to hear the perspectives of the youth—these workshops are a step towards amplifying their voices,” said Maria Ermina Valdeavilla-Gallardo who leads the UNHCR National Office in the Philippines.
Guided by Barcelon, the workshop encouraged participants to reflect on what makes them feel safe and happy. Many described memories of having fun with their families, relatives, and friends and their hopes of building better lives for their loved ones—able to do sports, take on fulfilling careers and travel the world. Through colors, lines, and shapes, they rendered scenes of safety, belonging, and their dreams for the future.
State Counsel Paulito de Jesus, Assistant Head of the DOJ-RSPPU met with the participants and expressed hope that the activity would “enhance our child-friendly spaces and ensure that the best interest of the child are always front and center in our policies and programs.”
Art-based interventions such as this one reflect UNHCR and its partners’ broader approach to protection, inclusion, and psychosocial support for forcibly displaced and stateless persons—especially children and youth who may be facing the compounding challenges of identity, adjustment, and possible trauma due to what they have experienced. The artworks, with the young refugee and asylum seekers’ consent, will be featured in venues of planned activities for the National and World Refugee Day 2025 and translated into advocacy materials for policymakers and legislators.
UNHCR and its partners remain committed to supporting the Philippine government in providing a favourable protection environment which ensures that every refugee and asylum seeker has access not just to basic needs and protection—but also to opportunities for growth, healing, and belonging.
ABOUT UNHCR
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We lead international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. We deliver life-saving assistance, help safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place called home where they can build a better future. We also work to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality. We work in over 130 countries, using our expertise to protect and care for millions.
In the Philippines, UNHCR has maintained its presence since 1975, working on three pillars: providing durable solutions to refugees, ending and reducing statelessness, and empowering displaced families.
For more information, please contact:
Karen Cepeda
External Relations Associate
(02) 88172398
