When conflict erupted in Marawi City in May 2017, tens of thousands of families were uprooted from their homes and were forced to leave everything behind. Everything except their dreams for a better future and hope for lasting peace.

On the eve of World Refugee Day 2018, UNHCR brings Liwanag ng Marawi (Light of Marawi), a photo exhibit that tells stories of rebuilding and resilience through the eyes of individuals displaced by the armed conflict.

By creating a platform to share their narratives and tell their own story, we are able to transcend challenges and build a better future filled with hope.

READ: https://www.unhcr.org/ph/13809-forced-displacement-68m.html

Background

Over the last two years globally, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has rolled out the #WithRefugees campaign to build solidarity for refugees and forcibly displaced families—some of the most vulnerable people of our time. In the Philippines, UNHCR has culminated the campaign every year on June 20, World Refugee Day.

This 2018, UNHCR commemorated World Refugee Day with Liwanag ng Marawi which aimed to build stronger solidarity for families who were forced to leave everything behind because of the conflict.

UNHCR Philippines opened a call for submissions from 23 May to 8 June 2018. Persons displaced by the conflict were invited to send photos they took during and after the conflict, as well as the ensuing displacement.

The selected entries were featured on 19 June 2018 to mark the week-long commemoration of World Refugee Day. The chosen photos were on display from 19 to 22 June 2018 in Iligan City.

Together #WithRefugees, UNHCR Philippines amplifies the voices and empowers families and communities forced to flee their homes.