Dear John,

Today we honor International Human Rights Day, marking 81 years since the right of all people to live freely and equally in dignity was enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Today is also the culmination of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, a global initiative that strives for a world where all women and girls are free to determine their own lives and futures. 

HIAS works each and every day to advance the rights of refugees and help them begin new lives in safety and freedom. Today we want to share with you two special stories.

Our new video, “We Open Our Hearts for Them,” tells of two women--one who fled Venezuela with her family, and the other who fled persecution in Uganda. Both left everything behind and had to start over in a new country.

With the support of HIAS’ staff in Ecuador and Kenya, these women have been able to heal  and begin anew. 

Watch Divine’s and Ailicec’s stories now to learn about HIAS’ work helping refugees rebuild their lives in safety and dignity around the globe.

Thank you,