Alumni – Neil Gaiman
Alumni – Neil Gaiman
About Neil
Neil Gaiman served as a global Goodwill Ambassador from 2017 to 2019.
Past support
What You Need to Be Warm
What You Need to be Warm was released to critical acclaim and made it into the New York Times top ten for Best Illustrated Children's Books.
The poem explores the reality of displacement amidst conflict and advocates for the right to safety and belonging, no matter the circumstances. Proceeds from each copy of the book help support UNHCR’s efforts.
Submission for the Neil Gaiman #DrawForRefugees initiative
Advocacy and campaign support
In addition to the creation of his powerful poem, Neil took part in several UNHCR campaigns and awareness initiatives. In 2019, Neil helped launch the first-ever Refugee Week in Greece through a digital interview in which he discussed the power of storytelling in amplifying refugee voices. In 2018, Neil signed an open letter calling for MPs in the UK to attend the Refugees Family Reunion Bill and advocate for its implementation to allow child refugees a route to reunite with their parents.
In amongst the horror and the nightmares, there are many small and glorious stories of survival and hope, resilience and dignity. If you could have the conversations that we had, if only you could sit and speak to refugees, face to face, you would see that we really are the same, that we really are part of one family. And, at its best, a family does all it can to support each other.
Text and media 29
In 2016, Neil joined fellow UNHCR supporters in performing Jenifer Toksvig’s rhythmic poem What They Took With Them, inspired by the firsthand testimonies from refugees for an online video campaign. Neil has appeared in several other UNHCR advocacy films, including ‘Words Matter’, ‘We Stand With #WithRefugees’, and Everyone Counts.
Field visit to Jordan
In 2014, Neil travelled to Jordan with UNHCR to build support, empathy and understanding of the Syrian refugee crisis. He visited Azraq and Za’atari refugee camps where he heard the harrowing stories of those forced to flee their homes.
Neil shared his experience of the trip by writing an article for The Guardian and several other media outlets.
News and highlights
Find the latest news and key highlights about Neil's work as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.
What does a solidarity scarf look like?
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) December 11, 2019
Like this epic (and pretty stylish) piece of art. Our words of warmth knitted into it. I’ve loved working on this project with you all and raising funds for @refugees.
Please keep donating https://t.co/gu2Q7GS0Sh pic.twitter.com/dVnS2KVMzX
How has art been healing for Neil Gaiman?
— UNHCR Greece (@UNHCRGreece) June 28, 2022
What is the power of storytelling?
The City of Athens invited acclaimed writer & UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador @neilhimself to a digital interview for the launch of the first-ever #RefugeeWeekGreece.
Watch it here: https://t.co/iwguBlhtTE pic.twitter.com/AZtTfJtmbG
