Raya Abirached Has Been Appointed As UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador For The MENA Region
“It’s a big responsibility that I am not taking lightly at all. I have always wanted to use my voice in support of causes that matter to me, and that are important…”
Despite wishing there were at least two more hours to the day, broadcast journalist Raya Abirached has always found the time to support good causes, most significantly working with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), which has included initiatives both at home and abroad; taking trips to the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan, and the informal settlements in Tripoli, Lebanon. Her work with the agency was further solidified when she received the distinguished accolade of UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador just last week.
Raya shared her excitement with her followers and fans on Instagram, sharing a touching video and message on the social media platform.
“This new role, as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador representing the MENA region, is a great honor that i do not take lightly and a daunting responsibility that i intend to work hard to be worthy of,” she writes within the caption.
“I hope to keep using my voice and platform to advocate for the refugees and help tell their stories of courage, and resilience. There are 79.5 million displaced around the world and these number are rising, and today more than ever, we need to come together and show kindness and compassion toward people who lost everything in a matter of seconds. Thank you @refugees and @unhcr_arabic for your trust.”
“I am extremely honoured, overwhelmed and daunted by the UNHCR Goodwill Ambassadorship, because it’s a huge task,” she told Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, revealing the appointment for the first time in our cover story interview for Bazaar’s April 2021 issue.
“It’s a big responsibility that I am not taking lightly at all. I have always wanted to use my voice in support of causes that matter to me, and that are important. We get credit as celebrities just because we’re supporting a cause or because we’re making a post, but I don’t think there’s any credit in that – I think there’s a responsibility for us, credit goes to the real people who go on the field and technically dedicate their lives and career to assisting the UNHCR.”
Editor in Chief: Olivia Phillips. Art Director: Oscar Yáñez. Fashion Director: Anna Castan. Hair: Adam Garland. Make-Up: Manuel Losada. Photography Assistant: Mariana Magilo. Styling Assistants: Nour Bou Ezz, Jody Hassan and Shahira Hossameldin. Producers: Johana Dana and Ellé Hutchinson
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s April 2021 Issue
