So far, this year, more than 300,000 refugees have fled across the Mediterranean from war, violence, conflict and persecution in countries such as Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan. Every day a large number of refugees arrive on the shores of south Europe in need of shelter, food, health care and water.
The H&M Foundation will donate USD 500,000 to UNHCR who are offering refugees support on site. The funding from H&M Foundation will be directed towards interventions such as emergency rescue kits, medical care, shelter, migration services, as well as special support to children.
About H&M Foundation
The H&M Foundation is an independent non-profit global foundation, initiated by H&M. The mission of the foundation is to create long lasting positive change and improve living conditions by investing in communities, people and innovative ideas. Through partnerships with prominent organizations around the globe, H&M Foundation drives change within three focus areas, as chosen by H&M employees and customers: Education, Clean Water and Strengthening Women.
To further improve living conditions the foundation supports innovative ideas that contribute to safeguarding the earth’s natural resources, and it can also provide emergency relief in countries where H&M operates. Today, H&M Foundation is funded by the Stefan Persson family, founders and the main owners of H&M.
About UNHCR
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We deliver life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water, we help safeguard fundamental human rights and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. We also work to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality.