Last week, we asked Global Citizens around the world to write letters to refugees. For all of those who reacted to the impact of recent executive orders on migrants and refugees, we wanted to provide an outlet to express not anger, but solidarity and empathy for an unknown person grappling unseen and unknown challenges.

We are moved, humbled and overwhelmed by the messages we have seen so far. In Global Citizens’ letters to their refugee neighbors, we see their own struggles, history and experience reflected — and it brings us all one step closer to each other. We will now work with our friends at UNHCR, the IRC and UNICEF to share these messages throughout refugee camps and displaced communities. Because sometimes, a kind word can mean the world to those who have lost all hope.   

Here’s what some Global Citizens had to say:

Letters to Refugees

Friend,

Hello friend, I am a 14-year-old girl born in Syria but have lived in Australia for the majority of my life. I wanted to let you know that you haven’t been forgotten, and that there are thousands of people all around the world who are trying to help you. I know you're in a tough place right now and life is very, very difficult. I respect you for your courage and ability to withstand and be able to live through this crisis. I know I wouldn't.

Last week I was involved in my first protest which was about letting more refugees into Australia and how the Muslim Ban that Trump has issued in America needs to be undone. There were many people who were part of that protest and who are fighting to regain your rights. Once again, you have not been forgotten. One month ago I organised a bake sale at my school and managed to raise $500 for Syrian refugees. It disgusts me that there are unfortunately some uneducated people in the world who have a set idea in their mind that ALL Muslims or/and Syrians are terrorists and refuse to let refugees who desperately need help into the country due to that inhumane and racist thought.

I, and many others from all around the word, welcome you into the country and we will do what we can to hopefully convince world leaders such as the prime minister, Malcom Turnbull, that that is the right thing to do. I hope that you are doing okay and are in a safe place with plenty of shelter to protect you from the cold and harsh weather (since it’s winter) and food, and clean water.

Sincerely,

Jodie (جودي حمادة)

Hi!

My name's Vivi and I'm from Germany. I hope you don't mind me telling you a little story. My great grandma used to live in a part of Poland, once upon a time when parts of Poland belonged to Germany. In 1945, my great grandma was pregnant with my Grandpa, and already had two boys. They had to flee because the war was over and the town my Great grandma lived in suddenly didn't belong to Germany anymore. I know it's different from what you're going through but my great grandma and my grandpa's brothers were refugees, too. When they came to what was left of Germany, they weren't that welcome, people had nothing to eat and they didn't want to share of what they owned. However, they recognized how bad they had treated them and people learned from history. At least I did, and I know many others, too. No matter what, please remember that you're welcome here. I stand with you.

Hugs,

Vivi

Watch: Syrian Refugee Alex Assali is Feeding Germany’s Homeless

Friend,

To my brothers and sisters connected through hearts and minds, I think about you every day. My heart hurts for the struggle you are bearing, the loss of loved ones, homes, schools, jobs, etc. If I had the power, I would bring all of you to live with me so you would feel safe, secure, loved, wanted, a place where your children would laugh and play every day. Hold each other tight, get to the safest place you can and protect your family. You must be your own warrior and with every last bit of strength you must endure. I pray for you, your children, your homes and most of all I pray for peace in your lives.

Mothers continue to teach your children love and compassion as this is being stripped from their very souls. Father's be brave as you must continue to battle the forces of evil every day and your wives and children need you and your strength to continue to strive.

In spirit I stand with you in the face of your oppressors, those that are attacking you and those that shun you from seeking shelter.

May my God and yours and all others come together to banish hate and war forever.

Duashan

Hello my best friend.

I may never meet you but I want you to know that I think about you every single day and you're the most important person I know. Yes, I know is hard what you are going through but I need you to understand that you're reading this with your very own eyes, that you're breathing with your own lungs and that your heart's still beating. You, my best friend, are alive, and you will continue to be alive because you're a warrior, you will fight against those you try to take away what's your and you will rise as a free person and I want you to know that I stand with you to do so.

With love, your best friend,

Daniel.

Friend,

I want to let you know I cannot say I understand what you have gone through or will continue to go through. I can tell you this, I stand with you and hope that you continue to fight as I will continue to fight for you. Even in the darkest times try to find the positive. Each day you wake up look towards to sun and know that there's someone looking right back at it thinking and praying for you. You're only given as much as you can handle and if you're reading this letter know that you are strong. Keep pushing forward and don't give up as I will not give up on you. lots of love and positive thoughts sent your way

A.

Friend,

I just wanted to send a friendly letter, to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I support your decision to flee your country, to keep yourself (and maybe your family) safe, and you will ALWAYS be welcome in the United States of America, as far as I'm concerned.

I hope that you can find peace and safety, soon, if you haven't already. I will keep fighting my government to make is easier for more refugees to enter our country, to find refuge.

May God protect you and keep you, my friend.

Sarah

Friend,

Hi friend. I stand with you. I am always going to stand with you. As we have said over and over again, love wins. Compassion wins. Empathy wins. It is important as ever to be the voice for people like you. If you feel silenced, we will stand up tall and make our voices heard. We will be the allies who will bring light to the unfairness you have had to deal with, and unfortunately continue to deal with. I want you to know that you should not have to bear the burden of discrimination. No one should.

Farahin

Friend,

Myself and the world stand with you to raise our voices and help you on the road to stability and opportunity.

Keep up the good fight and don't give up.

Respectfully,

Jonathan

Friend,

Hey! I know you feel left off! That nobody is there to help you and protect you! But I am here to make sure that there's no injustice done toward you! I am young (17) and I understand what you are going through and what you are fleeing from! That bring said! You are more than welcome in the united states! We will always be here to help you. <3

انا معكم 

Rokhiya

Read More: Americans Send Love to Immigrants This Valentine’s Day

Friend,

I do not know where in the world you are. Or exactly who you are or if you are okay. But please know this; no matter what you are not alone. I believe in you and I will stand by your side, proudly! The world is a beautiful and scary place with both good and bad people. This is important to remember. Even if you think you know everything about a person, they may be struggling with something. Try your best to be kind no matter what and treat them as you wish to be treated. I do not know if you found this reassuring at all. No matter what, know that you have a friend in me and I believe in you! With all the love

Emlan

Friend,

I stand with you because we are all human beings and we all deserve love and respect. I hope that you can find a new home and start a new chapter in a country that offers open arms to all. I cannot begin to understand your feelings or emotions right now but I can sincerely offer my support and love. Only together can we fight against evil and violence and hopefully make the world a happier and brighter place. You will always be welcome and accepted for we have more similarities than differences. Stay strong.

Zoe

Friend,

In time like this one that we live in it's hard to feel that the world is there for you, as an American citizen I stand with you and you’re not alone in this battle. I'm committing to do everything in my power to help refugees from all over the world. LOVE. Is what's going to win this fight and know that I love you

Michael

Dear Friend,

I may not understand what you are going through. And It's natural to feel like you're alone. And that no one really cares. But I'm here to tell you,

You are not alone. I stand with you.

I may not be with you physically, but please know that myself; and a thousand others like me are doing what little we can, to help you out in whatever way we can. And together we can all make a huge difference. I stay positive. And hopeful.

Love,

Aisha

Friend,

First I just want to start off by saying you're not a ‘refugee’. You're not a label of anything different or from the outside. You are just a person looking for a home. In some ways, we all are too. I just want you to know, you have a home in my country, in my city and in my community. However many petitions, protests, marches, and donations it takes, we will not stop working until you get a safe, secure, warm and loving place that you can call home.

Much Much love and support from New Zealand :)

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Dear friend,

Hello, I am Paola I was 30 years old and I stand with you.

You don't know me but I want to say sorry because this world is very indifferent with you pain, I think that this war isn't necessary and you and your family and friends have been suffering and people don't give you help, when I see the news I feel so bad I want to cry and I can't imagine how is your life and I would help you but I live in a country poor, I just pray for you and I hope that get the help that you need for a good future for you and your family. I want to say that though you believe that you are only a lot of people pray for you and in this world the things can be better, and remember that it doesn't always rain I know that is easy say these things but I can't say anymore because is very hard lost your country, family, friends, see your life broken and can't do anything about this.

Just I want to say I stand with you

Paola

Friend,

I was once a refugee and I remember the hardships coming to the US. My heart is with you. Believe in yourself and be strong. God bless you

Meru

Friend,

You are me, I am you. Might sound ridiculous, but without really knowing or feeling what you feel I try to give my little part. And when sometimes there is not tear or money that can change your situation, what I do is be grateful for the life I have and I try to live it in a way that maybe you would do it if you have the opportunity to be in my place, that means, enjoy how bless I am. I hope these words don't sound unfair for you but I am being honest and I truly believe when in a time like the one we are all living, our biggest contribution is the one that is anonymous; I tell myself every day I have to be patient, tolerant, respectful and try to spread a word of love and the days I am weak and I complain about my life I think of you and you help me to be a better person. Please be strong, is how you are and nobody can take that from you.

Friend,

I want you to know that my family and friends are with you. I live in Utah and we recently had a march where thousands of people walked up to the capitol building in Salt Lake, all in support of refugees. You are our friends. You are our family. We love you and no matter what our leaders say, we are with you and we will not stand down or stop fighting until we are all working together. I will not stop fighting until we have made a better world for you. Governments and politicians only last so long, but love lasts forever.

Sarah

Dear Friend,

I have no words to describe how terribly sorry I am. The fact that we've let you down so many times. We've let you alone and feeling helpless but I thank you for not giving up even when the hopelessness was too much to bear. I wish, everyday, there was more I could do for you. I try to fight everyday to make anyone around me understand your plight – to make them realize the only thing separating us from you is our luck to be born within these imaginary borders of us. Some may listen and some do not, but I promise you I won't stop until I convince enough of us to make a difference. There's a lot of us who care. I wish I could offer more. I am trying. Please don't give up just yet. I promise you – we care.

Kristi

Read More: Meet Eat Offbeat, a Culinary Startup Dedicated to Giving Refugees a Chance

Friend,

I am so sorry for what you are going through. I'm sorry you're even facing opposition as you try to free yourself from the circumstances you are in. My prayer is that you find the refuge and safety that you seek. I don't know you personally but I believe in you and I believe that there are enough good people in this world to make it happen. You deserve the chance to be free, loved, and secure. I stand with you and I am proud of you. Your journey might not be easy but it will be worth it. You are strong. You will survive. Love and prayers to you!

Jesse

Friend,

Hi! My name is Kate and I'm a 23-year-old woman from Connecticut. I can't imagine what you must be going through, but know that I am thinking about you. I hope you and your loved ones get where you need to be and are healthy, happy and safe.

Remember that the sun always rises tomorrow.

Much love.

Friend,

I stand with you my dear. I want you to know that I am only one of the millions of people that stand with you every day. We pray for you, we want you to be happy and we love you. We know you deserve the entire love of this world. You're a special person and we love you and want to stand with you. Please don't forget that you are so valuable, more of a lot of people. Trust me and don't forget this. And remember that we stand with you too.

Take Action: Send a Letter to A Refugee Today!