News

UN refugee agency charity appoints Sefiani
March 2010

Australia for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency’s charity in Australia, has appointed Sefiani Communications Group as its public relations agency following a competitive pitch process.  Working on a part pro bono basis, Sefiani will devise and implement a communications program to support the relief organisation’s fundraising efforts, by raising awareness about the plight of refugees and the work of UNHCR worldwide, which has been recognised with two Nobel peace prizes. 
 
Australia for UNHCR was established in 2000 as part of UNHCR’s global fundraising network.  Its mission is to provide life changing humanitarian support to refugees and other displaced and stateless people who come under the care and protection of the UN Refugee Agency.

Sefiani will harness a mix of traditional and social media, celebrity support and unique events to support Australia for UNHCR’s Safe Mother and Baby Appeal, World Refugee Day (20 June),  the organisation’s tenth anniversary in July and National Director Naomi Steer’s imminent trek up Mt Kenya to raise awareness and funds for refugees in Africa.

Managing Director of Sefiani Communications Group, Robyn Sefiani, welcomed the opportunity to work with Australia for UNHCR to raise public awareness of the issues faced by refugees both at home and abroad. 

“The stories of refugees and the issues they grapple with day-to-day must be told, so that compassionate Australians can help provide life-changing humanitarian support to refugees and other displaced people who have forcibly left their homes due to conflict, disaster or persecution. They are mothers, young children, teenagers – real people facing very difficult circumstances,” she said.

“We are looking forward to the task ahead and to be working with the dedicated and passionate team at Australia for UNHCR,” Ms Sefiani said.

National Director of Australia for UNHCR, Naomi Steer, said, “It is an important year for Australia for UNHCR, given our tenth anniversary, but also given the fact that this is a time of increasing humanitarian need for refugees around the world.  We’re delighted to have Sefiani on board to help tell our story.”

For more information go to www.unrefugees.org.au