Storytelling on migration – an animated video series calling to stand up for the human rights of all migrants

OHCHR and migration

Banner: Stand up for the human rights of all migrants

“We need stories that inspire and connect us, rather than tearing us further apart; stories that paint a hopeful picture of the future we share and stories told by migrants themselves.”

– Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Every migrant has a story of hope, courage, despair, of exile and belonging.

Don’t we all? But these stories often remain hidden, like the many migrants themselves who are compelled to endure a life in the shadows of our societies, prevented from enjoying the rights and freedoms so many take for granted.

This series of animated video stories aim to amplify the stories of migrants and their families, of the communities that welcome them and the conversations they have along the way. Together with all the people who have participated in this endeavour, we ask you to join us to change how we speak about migrants and stand up for the human rights of all migrants everywhere.

Stand up for the human rights of all migrants
How do we change the migration narrative from one of fear, division and exclusion to one that reaffirms our shared values and embraces our common humanity?

Migrant stories are our stories
As we look back on our video series, we realize these aren't just migrant stories, they are human stories. They are OUR stories. A big thanks to @harikondabolu and everyone who shared their stories with us. Join us and #StandUp4Migrants #StandUp4HumanRights!

Feature story

Screenshot of the Siblings animation © OHCHR

Values we all share in migrant voices that long to be heard
The UN Human Rights Office launches an animated video series that gives a voice to people on the move and aims to change an often harmful public narrative on

How to take action and stand up for migrants

You can find all the migrant stories below and on our social media channels: Facebook /unitednationshumanrights, YouTube/UNOHCHR, Twitter @UNhumanrights.

Join us, share our videos, tag us, #StandUp4Migrants and #StandUp4Human Rights! !
Use the videos and stories in your advocacy, campaigns, educational materials, capacity building and other activities to raise awareness about the human rights of migrants.
Reach out to someone in your community who is a migrant or someone who you see as different from you. Have a conversation, listen to each other’s experiences and find out what you have in common.
Learn more about what the UN Human Rights Office does to promote and protect the human rights of all migrants, regardless of their status.
Support our work

Videos


Stand up for the human rights of all migrants How do we change the migration narrative from one of fear, division and exclusion to one that reaffirms our shared values and embraces our common humanity?	Rodrigo, Montse and Isaac Three siblings reminisce on their childhood, their father’s work ethic and generosity of spirit, and their desire to go to college.

Hari Kondabolu Find out why Hari Kondabolu thinks migrants’ stories matter and how we all have a role in confronting xenophobia.	Samir and Adlane Listen to the conversation between Samir and Adlane, a father and son, who explain what it means to migrate. What would you do to have a good education?

Alene and Eli Love has no boundaries. Listen to Alene share her dreams and story with her teenage son, Eli. How far would you go to support someone you love?	Carlos Carlos shares what it’s like to be in an irregular situation and the challenges he faces in enjoying his human rights.

Hari and Uma Kondabolu Hari Kondabolu and his mother, Uma Kondabolu, discuss growing up amongst diversity, facing bullying and how to stand up for what is right.	Hanaa Hanaa's migration story is one of empowerment, of how migration has enabled her to overcome a disability, move forward and be free.

Moussa and Robert The bonds of friendship transcend borders and continents. Moussa and Robert speak about their love of music, enduring dangerous journeys, and show us how shared values bring us closer together.	Marielle Marielle has lived and worked abroad for years, but in an irregular situation. Listen to the paradox she lives with every day – being both visible and invisible to society.

Brian Chang Disregard for human rights and dignity compel many individuals across the world to migrate. Listen to Brian reflect on the reasons why he left his country.	Jeannette et Jean-Jacques Jeannette and Jean-Jacques are friends who have faced many hardships as migrants but they do not believe that returning to their country is an option.

Vanessa and Paula When we migrate we often leave our loved ones behind and for many migrants this separation can be difficult to overcome. Listen to Vanessa and Paula reflect on why their family means so much to them.	Mai Na and Choua A community's warm welcome means so much to migrants. Find out about Mai Na and Choua's experience and encourage your community to be welcoming.

Migrant stories are our stories As we look back on our video series, we realize these aren't just migrant stories, they are human stories. They are OUR stories. A big thanks to @harikondabolu and everyone who shared their stories with us. Join us and #StandUp4Migrants #StandUp4HumanRights!