Helena Christensen Shares Stories of Refugee Children in Azraq, Jordan

Helena Christensen has spent some time in Jordan this week meeting refugees from Syria, Iraq and Somalia who’ve fled their homes because of war.

The supermodel and UNHCR Ambassador has been documenting her visit to Azraq refugee camp  on Instagram for her hundreds of thousands of followers to help share the stories of some of the  40,000 people living there.

“This little boy was born 20 minutes ago, in the midst of a freezing winter in the Azraq refugee camp outside Amman, Jordan,” Helena writes in a post showing a video of her cradling the infant.

 

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This little boy was born 20 mins ago. In the midst of a freezing winter in the Azraq refugee camp outside Amman, Jordan, where 40.000 people live, having escaped violent war torn countries such as Syria, Iraq and Somalia. For some, this is the ninth consecutive year they will spend displaced from their homes. Seham, the 5 year old girl standing between her twin brothers, was born in Azraq, one of the first children to start her life in the camp’s small hospital. Her little feet are printed on the wall outside the maternity ward, alongside all the other children born there after her. All Seham knows is life inside a refugee camp. The UNHCR provides her and her family with a roof over their heads, insulated walls for winter, blankets, heaters, cash for food.. but the winters are freezing cold and more help is needed. Most families had to flee without hardly any possessions and their homes in the camp or in urban settlements are bare and empty. Without resources or cash, many people struggle to cover their rent, food and basic health costs. Any help, big or small, will go a along way in helping these children and their families 🙏 link in bio to support @refugees #standwithrefugees

A post shared by Helena (@helenachristensen) on Jan 22, 2020 at 10:47pm PST

Helena also shares the story of 5-year-old Seham who was one of the first children born inside the camp’s small hospital.

“All Seham knows is life inside a refugee camp. The UNHCR provides her and her family with a roof over their heads, insulated walls for winter, blankets, heaters, cash for food….but the winters are freezing cold and more help is needed.”

“Most families had to flee without hardly any possessions and their homes in the camp or in urban settlements are bare and empty,” she explains.

During her visit, Helena – who’s also a professional photographer – took a number of photos of the camp and the refugees she met. Some of these photos are being auctioned off at the Abu Dhabi Dream Ball Gala to raise funds for the UNHCR:

Photos taken by Helena Christensen inside Azraq refugee camp, Jordan. (Image: @helenachristensen/Instagram)