UNHCR Video - Selam's story

Many refugees and asylum seekers on the move along the Central Mediterranean route leave behind or get separated from their families at different stages of their journey. While the family reunification process should in theory benefit any eligible family member, refugees worldwide, particularly children, often face significant difficulties and barriers in accessing family reunification. These include understanding the complex application process, obtaining requested documentation, accessing the relevant Embassy, affording the related costs (DNA tests, travel expenses, etc.), obtaining exit visas, or other obstacles.

In order to foster an understanding of refugees’ rights and their eligibility to family reunification, in addition to the support and assistance UNHCR and partners provide, UNHCR Office of the Special Envoy produced this short animation video targeting refugee and asylum-seeking children and youth, as well as vulnerable adults and families.

This video features a fictional case study spotlighting the right and eligibility of refugees and asylum seekers to family reunification, as well as the support and assistance that UNHCR and partners offer to facilitate this process.