The displacement crisis crossed a new mark at the end of 2022, with the total number of people forcibly displaced globally exceeding 108.4 million for the first time. Consequently, YouTube and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, released of a new film series on World Refugee Day showcasing the creativity and courage of refugees from three different regions of the world.

The short film series entitled “We Were Here,” premiered on YouTube, seeking to challenge stereotypes and perceptions about refugees by connecting refugees with some of YouTube’s most influential content creators around shared interests such as music, growing food, and building toys.

For many, the enormity and complexity of the issues can feel overwhelming: it is easy to lose sight of the individuals affected by displacement and see only the scale of the situation. The “We Were Here” series aims to give people an opportunity to identify with individuals by connecting with something we all share — creativity. Refugees have hopes and dreams like anyone else and being able to do what matters most to them has the power to impact the world.

Through these unexpected connections, these untold stories aim to inspire a new and engaged audience to see refugees in an entirely new light — sparking powerful solidarity with displaced people everywhere.