Why We Speak: Help Spread Refugee Stories

3 Generations believes that the refugee situation is a humanitarian crisis that demands a humane response. Amplifying the voices of refugees has been at the forefront of our mission for over a decade; we tell their stories around the world to ensure their struggles are witnessed and documented.

For the past three years, we have hosted the 3 Generations Youth Video Contest to amplify the voices of our young people (15-24) and give them a platform from which to be heard on the issues that matter the most to them. From climate change and racial justice to reproductive rights, youth activists have been at the forefront of our social movements for decades. With 143 submissions from 30 countries, our video contest has a truly global reach. 

War has caused some of our contestants' home nations to become refugee countries, while others live in nations that welcome asylum seekers. One of our contestants documented her summer in Kyiv at the beginning of the Russian’s invasion of Ukraine last year. When we spoke to the contestant about her film, she shared “An air raid siren went off several times during filming, and it eventually made it into the film. The idea of this film is that even during the war life goes on in Kyiv, we all have dreams and we're looking forward to our victory. The war in Ukraine is going on, Russia is bombing Kyiv and other cities and towns. We need support from people all over the world.” 

3 Generations will continue amplifying the voices of refugees and providing them a platform to express themselves. The Youth Video Contest Award Ceremony will be live streamed on Thursday, May 25th. You can sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on 3 Generations news, cast your vote for the Viewer’s Choice award on our website soon and gain access to this exciting event!