Influential people are “donating” their social media accounts to refugees and humanitarians to raise the profile of worldwide conflicts.
In the lead-up to World Humanitarian Day on 19 August, the UN is inviting people to hand over their Facebook and Twitter accounts to shine a light on stories that don’t always get the coverage they deserve.
Celebrities have taken up the challenge, with the Australian musician Cody Simpson giving his account to a Syrian refugee for a day so that he could document his journey from Damascus to Italy. Simpson, who has a Twitter following of more than 7.5 million people, provided a significant platform for Thair Orfahli’s story.
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
#Syria is filled with tension and fighting. I’m not sure what the future holds for me here. #Damascus #ShareHumanity -@ThairDamascus4
— Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 13, 2015
Yesterday a bomb went off in the street near me, wounding lots of people. #ShareHumanity https://t.co/6z15jA8lgM -@ThairDamascus
— Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 13, 2015
I no longer feel safe in Lebanon, a group of us will leave for #Egypt tomorrow. #ShareHumanity -@ThairDamascus
— Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 13, 2015
Orfahli shared his journey to Egypt, describing the worsening security situation on his arrival. He organised a boat crossing from Alexandria to Italy, claiming “many don’t make it but I need to take the risk”.
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
Khaled Farah, a first responder for the UN, will take over the Twitter feed of the British musician Leona Lewis. Farah, who featured in a remarkable video capturing the moment he helped rescue a two-month old baby from the rubble, will use the social media forum to recount his experiences rescuing survivors of a bomb attack in Aleppo.
Other influential people taking part include the Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang and the Brazilian footballer Kaka, whose social media accounts will be used to share stories from the Nepalese earthquake, and the Ethiopian-American musician Kenna, under whose handle tales from Jordan’s Zaatari refugee camp will be disseminated.
The UN wants young people to get involved, too, using the hashtag #ShareHumanity on social media.
“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 the UN undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs Stephen O’Brien. “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.”
