Stories of extraordinary mothers
Stories of extraordinary mothers
With Mother’s Day just days away, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is proud to celebrate the strength and resilience we see every day in mothers who have been forced to flee. Many have had to leave their homes and loved ones behind for the promise of a better, safer future for themselves and their families.
As many families will celebrate this special day, we want to share some stories of extraordinary mothers with you.
A courageous heart with his mother’s love.
Dah Hsi Poe was born with Down’s Syndrome at a temporary shelter in Thailand. At first, he was unable to move, but with the frequent physiotherapy offered by UNHCR and his mother’s encouragement, Dah Hsi Po can now walk unaided for a short distance. His mother is grateful to the donors who have helped to protect Dah Hsi Poe by providing medical support and giving him a better chance of survival. She will continue to fight and encourage her child as he learns to walk.
We are safe now, mom.
Natalya and her mother, Yulia, fled the devastated Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. After crossing the border into Poland, they sought refuge at a reception centre set up in a school. Yulia's smile conveyed her peace of mind that she and her daughter were helped to safety.
The eldest sister, who we call “Mom”.
“I have to care for my brothers and sisters. Our mother is not here. There is no one helping me. I am not sure about my future career, but I will care for my family as long as they need me.” Adut, like many refugee girls, cannot attend school because she has to look after her family.
Just a little more patience, a few steps left, mom.
A Rohingya boy supports his exhausted mother as they wade through paddy fields to reach safety in Bangladesh. They are among thousands of other families, most of whom have walked for days to find food and shelter.