Cody Simpson handed over his Twitter account to a Syrian refugee to launch a digital storytelling initiative highlighting human suffering endured every day across the globe.
Simpson gave Thair Orfahli an important platform to describe the harrowing journey he made from Syria to Austria in order to flee civil war and the Islamist terror group Isis.
The Australian singer is one of number of musicians, actors and public figures who will donate their Twitter and Facebook accounts over the coming days to allow people from crisis-hit countries such as Syria and Afghanistan share their stories.
Orfahli documented his fight to reach Europe from Syria in tweets on Wednesday after a quick introduction from Simpson.
my feed won’t be the same over the next day, @ThairDamascus is taking over. it’s for a special cause. see you on the 19th #ShareHumanity
; Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 13, 2015
It’s 2 am can’t sleep. Police were just here at @Amaltikva’s house asking if she is hosting Syrians. #ShareHumanity -@ThairDamascus
; Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 13, 2015
On a boat to Italy w/ 234 other refugees and migrants. Their strength is unbelievable. #ShareHumanity -@ThairDamascus pic.twitter.com/YUe47RMHMG
; Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 13, 2015
I have no passport, no money, and no clothes. Nothing. But I am happy to be alive. #Italy #ShareHumanity -@ThairDamascus
; Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 13, 2015
Heading for Germany what I hope is the final leg of the journey. Have to travel by car to avoid being caught #ShareHumanity -@ThairDamascus
; Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 13, 2015
After a long & dangerous trip I arrive in #Munich, the entry point for many migrants. #ShareHumanity -@ThairDamascus pic.twitter.com/0W7N9lxaK7
; Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 14, 2015
I’ve arrived in #Berlin and applied for asylum, fingers crossed! #Germany #ShareHumanity -@ThairDamascus
; Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 14, 2015
so glad you could share your story on my account and raise awareness globally. cheers mate sending peace and love to you @ThairDamascus
; Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 14, 2015
The United Nations #ShareHumanity initiative will mark World Humanitarian Day 2015.
“We’re calling on the young and digitally-connected to help us push out these compelling stories and give a voice to the voiceless,” said Stephen O’Brien, UN Humanitarian Chief. “Young people often ask me what they can do to help and I believe we have a shared responsibility to raise awareness and help to inspire humanity on these global issues.”
Visit www.worldhumanitarianday.org for more information on the #sharehumanity campaign.
