The actress traveled to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Uganda, her trip focused on the South Sudanese refugee crisis. And in the Democratic Republic of Congo, she met with the Nansen Award winner, Sister Angélique, to discuss a new project to support women affected by sexual violence in conflict.
Davis, 50, spoke to PEOPLE exclusively about her journey with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and her hopes for change.
"The most shocking thing I learned on my trip with UNHCR about the crisis in South Sudan is that 85 percent of the refugees are women and children," Davis says.
"When the doors opened and the new arrivals to the camp started to come out, I couldn't believe how many children there were, and mothers with tiny babies, just months old," the mom to 4-year-old Gemma Rose adds.
"I can't imagine being a mother of a little baby having to flee my home just to survive. It breaks my heart to even think about it," she says. "But at the same time, I was so honored to be at the camp with the staff. The UNHCR is the only option for these people, and it is an honor to be able to help in their important work. It is the most beautiful and basic human exchange to be able to provide food and shelter for people who have been trapped in horrible circumstances through no fault of their own."
Jordi Matas / UNHCR
"I have been inspired and energized by what I saw on my trip with UNHCR," Davis says. "If these people who have been forced from their homes can show such kindness and strength, I know we all can. Visiting the refugee camps makes me feel a renewed sense of hope about the capacity of the human spirit."
And as for what inspired her to work with the organization, she says, "At this time in history, when there are so many conflicts around the world, I wanted to work with the UNHCR because the refugees need help. I wanted to go to the source of those giving the help – the UN Refugee Agency and see the situation so I could come back and help share what I witnessed."
Davis adds: "The crisis in South Sudan has only 10 percent of the funds that are needed. After seeing the strength of these people and hearing their hopes of changing the history of conflict in their region through education, the trip makes me want to help even more."
To donate, visit the UNHCR website.
Newer articles:
- South Sudan: Armed groups 'raped, castrated and slit throats of children' - 19/06/2015 08:45
- UN says S.Sudan children raped, castrated, thrown into fires - 19/06/2015 05:07
- South Sudan Violence: 129 Children Killed In May; Girls Raped And Boys Castrated, Says UN - 19/06/2015 02:21
- South Sudan: Manute Bol Peace Builders Basketball Tournament - 19/06/2015 00:01
- South Sudan: UN Doesn't Need Drones, Attack Helicopters - 18/06/2015 20:03
Older news items
- 129 children killed in South Sudan in May, UN agency finds - 18/06/2015 10:05
- US Pledges Additional $133 Million to South Sudan - 17/06/2015 18:37
- South Sudan president rejects new IGAD proposal - 17/06/2015 17:00
- UN Peacekeeping Chief Decries South Sudan's Lack of Cooperation - 17/06/2015 16:51
- U.N. slams South Sudan president for impeding civilian protection - 17/06/2015 15:03
Latest news items (all categories):
- Hope for Christmas gift as South Sudan talks return to Nairobi - 05/12/2024 10:26
- Chinese medical team brings relief to South Sudan patients - 05/12/2024 10:18
- Sudanese bishop speaks about being brutalized by soldiers - 05/12/2024 10:08
- President Biden: Absent Principles - No Honoring Words - Broken Promises - 05/12/2024 09:55
- South Sudan’s ‘Game Of Thrones’ Continues – Analysis - 01/12/2024 17:47
Random articles (all categories):
- UNICEF - Re-advertisement: Child Protection System strengthening at sub national level - International individual/ institutional consultancy - 07/04/2016 14:24
- War-ravaged South Sudan may scrap expensive oil subsidies - 12/09/2017 09:56
- South Sudan Receives $23 Million Development Grant - Oye! Times - 29/05/2012 17:27
- The Sentry’s Brad Brooks-Rubin to Testify in Congress on Sudan Sanctions - 24/04/2017 21:15
- No breakthrough yet in Saudi-hosted Sudan talks: Saudi diplomat - 08/05/2023 03:29
Popular articles:
- Who is the darkest person in the world, according to Guinness World Record? - 25/10/2022 02:34 - Read 58625 times
- No oil in troubled waters - 25/03/2014 15:02 - Read 22221 times
- School exam results in South Sudan show decline - 01/04/2012 17:58 - Read 21369 times
- NDSU student from South Sudan receives scholarship - In-Forum - 29/09/2012 01:44 - Read 18901 times
- Top 10 weakest currency exchange rates in Africa in 2023 - 19/07/2023 00:24 - Read 18047 times