As the world marks World Refugee Day, The Hub brings a poignant conversation with Melissa Fleming, UN under-secretary-general for Global Communications, and Doaa Al Zamel, a Syrian refugee whose harrowing escape from civil war became the subject of Fleming’s acclaimed book A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea. The interview, now available in Chinese, offers a rare glimpse into the human cost of displacement and the urgent need for collective action.
From Survival to Symbol of Hope
Doaa Al Zamel recounted her journey across the Mediterranean Sea in 2014, where she survived a shipwreck that claimed over 500 lives. “I held two babies in the water for days,” she shared, her story underscoring the desperation driving millions to flee conflict. Fleming emphasized that Doaa’s experience “reminds us refugees are not statistics – they are people rewriting their futures against impossible odds.”
Combating Misinformation, Building Empathy
Both speakers addressed rising xenophobia and misinformation targeting displaced populations. Fleming warned that social media algorithms often amplify hate speech, creating “a toxic environment for vulnerable communities.” She highlighted UN initiatives promoting fact-based narratives, urging platforms to prioritize “content that unites rather than divides.”
A Call for Global Solidarity
With over 120 million forcibly displaced worldwide, Fleming stressed the need for equitable responsibility-sharing. “High-income countries host just 15% of refugees,” she noted, calling for increased support to nations like Lebanon and Jordan. The discussion concluded with Doaa’s appeal: “See us as human beings. Our dreams are no different from yours.”
