Kat Graham, the Swiss-born American actress renowned for her roles on The Vampire Diaries, is equally recognized for her unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes. Since joining the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) as a High Profile Supporter in 2013, Kat has been instrumental in championing the rights and welfare of refugees worldwide.
In her capacity as a UNHCR supporter, Kat has lent her voice to numerous campaigns and events aimed at raising awareness about refugee issues. From World Refugee Day to the Ramadan Campaign and the iBelong Campaign to End Statelessness, Kat has been a steadfast advocate for the most vulnerable populations. Her efforts extend beyond mere participation, as she actively supports initiatives addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQI refugees and women and girl refugees across the globe.
With a social media following exceeding 9 million, Kat utilizes her platforms to shine a spotlight on the plight of refugees, amplifying their stories and struggles to a global audience. Her influence extends far beyond the confines of traditional advocacy, as she harnesses the power of digital media to foster empathy and understanding.
Kat’s journey with UNHCR has taken her to the frontlines of the refugee crisis, from the Syrian refugee camp of Za’atari in Jordan to the Mexico-Guatemala border, where she bore witness to the harrowing tales of women and children fleeing violence in Central America. In 2019, Kat embarked on a poignant trip to the Somali refugee camps in southern Ethiopia, where she was deeply moved by the resilience and spirit of the women and girls she encountered. Her experiences in Ethiopia, featured prominently in publications like Marie Claire, underscored the transformative impact of UNHCR’s programs in empowering refugee communities.
Beyond her field visits, Kat’s advocacy for refugee rights has been exemplified in various high-profile events and engagements. Notably, she brought South Sudanese refugee Mary Maker as her guest to the 2019 L’Oreal Women of Worth Awards, shining a spotlight on refugee stories on the red carpet. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Kat utilized Instagram Live to raise awareness about the heightened challenges faced by refugees, reconnecting with Mary Maker to amplify their voices.
Kat’s commitment to refugee education and empowerment has been further highlighted through her participation as a speaker at the 2020 Abu Dhabi Dream Ball fundraising event with UNHCR. Her engagements extend to platforms like the Girl Up Summit, where she has served as a keynote speaker, emphasizing the critical importance of refugee education and empowerment in shaping a more inclusive and equitable world.
source: unchr.org
