Adiaratou Iglesias Forneiro
Adiaratou Iglesias Forneiro
Adiaratou Iglesias during the filming of a documentary featuring her sports career and her life in Spain, after fleeing Mali as a child due to persecution of people with albinism.
Spanish Paralympic athlete Adiaratou Iglesias Forneiro has been supporting UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, through advocacy and awareness-raising initiatives, using sport as a powerful platform to promote inclusion, resilience and positive narratives around forced displacement.
Adi Iglesias running in the countryside near Lugo, Galicia, the town where she lives.
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About Adi
Adi Iglesias is a Spanish Paralympic medalist and elite athlete who has become a powerful voice for inclusion, diversity and resilience. Born in Mali, she was forced to flee at a young age and was later adopted by a Spanish family, growing up in Galicia.
Living with albinism and visual impairment, Adi has overcome significant challenges to compete at the highest level in international Paralympic athletics, representing Spain on the global stage. Her personal journey – from displacement to becoming a top-level athlete – closely reflects the experiences of many forcibly displaced people and strongly aligns with UNHCR’s mission.
Adi Iglesias during a talk to students at the Complutense University of Madrid, organized by UNHCR to raise awareness about asylum and the power of sports for refugee inclusion.
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Recent advocacy
Adi has actively supported UNHCR’s work, using her platform to raise awareness about forced displacement and promote inclusion through sport. She has participated in UNHCR campaigns, shared content across her social media channels, and taken part in interviews highlighting issues such as diversity, refugee protection and equal opportunities.
Her engagement includes:
- featuring in UNHCR campaigns, including International Day of Persons with Disabilities and International Day of Running
- participating in UNHCR events to raise awareness about the plight of refugees
- supporting storytelling initiatives, including a UNHCR documentary about her life journey.
Adi’s authentic voice, strong public presence and connection with younger audiences make her a compelling advocate, helping to amplify positive narratives around refugees and the power of sport as a tool for protection and inclusion.
News and highlights
Find the latest news and key highlights about Adi's work as a UNHCR high profile supporter.