Refugees & asylum-seekers’ personal accounts and lived experiences
This page features the lived experiences and personal narratives of refugees and asylum seekers.
It provides a platform for individuals, some of whom are well-known figures in fields such as sports, literature, and entertainment, to share their personal stories. These narratives explore their journeys to safety, the challenges they faced, their experiences adjusting to life in their newly adopted countries, and the ways in which they are contributing to society.
Follow the links below to access these powerful personal accounts.
Video narratives
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How Mo Farah overcame being trafficked as a child. Ainslie and Ainslie, Performance People (2023).
Luol Deng: Uniting a country through basketball. Generation Sport, Al Jazeera English (2023).
Luka Modric reveals his story of growing up in a warzone. Captains on FIFA +, FIFA (2022).
Refugee to professional soccer player to doctor: The Nadia Nadim story. Major League Soccer (2022).
From Syrian refugee to Rio Olympics: Yusra Mardini shares true story of Netflix movie 'The Swimmers'. Reign with Josh Smith (2022).
Alphonso Davis is our goodwill ambassador! UNHCR (2021).
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We all belong somewhere: A message from Lord Dubs on refugee and community. Refugee Council (2025).
Iman opens about experience as a refugee, paying it forward. TODAY, with Jenna and Friends. NBC Network (2023).
Celebrating difference: A conversation with Nadine Kaadan, children’s author, and illustrator. Asylum Welcome (2022).
Model Halima Aden returns to the refugee camp she was born in. Teen Vogue (2018).
Viet Thanh Nguyen's "The Refugees" explores life caught between two worlds. PBS NewsHour, PBS Network (2017).
From refugee to global ambassador, Ger Duany. TEDx Talks, TEDx (2016).
Rita Ora: As a refugee you never want to hear the words 'get out'. Channel 4 News (2015).
Khaled Hosseini tells his refugee story. UNHCR (2014).
Author and comedian Anh Do’s book about being a refugee wins book of the year at the Australian Book Industry Awards. ABC News, Australia. (2011).
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Eurovision 2021: Tusse- from child refugee to Swedish pop star. Newsbeat, BBC News (2021).
3 inspiring refugees (North Korea, Afghanistan, Syria). Binsky, D. (2020).
From refugee to referee. When Lioness Ellen White met JJ. PayPal UK. (2019).
Douglas Booth meets trainee pilot and Syrian refugee, Maya Ghazal. UNHCR (2019).
Cate Blanchett meets successful business owner and refugee, Razan Alsous. UNHCR (2019).
Mohamad at Eton: from refugee camp to UK boarding school. REWIND, Al Jazeera English. (2018).
Desperate Journey: Jamal Osman’s refugee story. Channel 4 News (2014).
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Running (Refugee Song) featuring Gregory Porter, Common, Keyon Harrold and Andrea Pizziconi. Pizziconi, A. (2016).
What they took with them. UNHCR (2016). Cate Blanchett performs the rhythmic poem ‘What They Took With Them’ alongside fellow actors Keira Knightley, Juliet Stevenson, Peter Capaldi, Stanley Tucci, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kit Harington, Douglas Booth, Jesse Eisenberg and Neil Gaiman. The poem was written by Jenifer Toksvig and was inspired by stories and first-hand testimonies from refugees forced to flee their homes and items they took with them.
Other narratives
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Asylum Speakers Podcast: Stories of Migration and Displacement. Hosted by Jaz O'Hara, the Asylum Speakers Podcast features compelling stories of migration and displacement. Through personal narratives, the podcast highlights the experiences of individuals who have sought asylum, shedding light on the challenges they face and the resilience they demonstrate.
British Red Cross Podcasts. The British Red Cross hosts two podcasts The Kind Place podcast and We are VOICES podcast featuring first-hand narratives from refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants sharing their stories about life in the UK.
Refugee Radio-Podcasts. Refugee Radio is an independent charity based in Brighton and Sussex. Founded in 2008 by refugee and human rights advocates, it serves as a platform for sharing diverse stories and experiences. The podcast aims to enhance understanding, increase awareness of refugee issues, and support the promotion of human rights.
Refugee Action-The Experts by Experience Podcast. Supported by Refugee Action, the Expert by Experience (EbE) network Podcast is a national group formed of people seeking asylum and those with refugee status. The purpose of this podcast is to strengthen understanding, build bridges and break down the stigma toward people seeking asylum and refugees.
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British Red Cross ‘Migration and Displacement Stories’. This page contains a comprehensive collection that highlights real-life experiences, challenges, and initiatives surrounding migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, survivors of modern slavery, and displaced individuals.
Refugee Action-refugee voices. Refugees and asylum seekers are ordinary people facing extraordinary struggles. What is life really like for refugees forced to flee their homes by war? Read real-life refugee stories and find out how Refugee Action helps people.