UNHCR launches its first-ever cartoon character “Mamuang for UNHCR” in Thailand under the “6th NAMJAI FOR REFUGEES” campaign in collaboration with Wisut “Tum” Ponnimit
Wisut “Tum” Ponnimit, an illustrator well known in Thailand and Japan, has designed the cartoon character “Mamuang for UNHCR”, the UN Refugee Agency. Today, Mamuang takes on her first humanitarian assignment with UNHCR and calls on Thai generosity to donate during the “6th NAMJAI FOR REFUGEES” campaign to support persons of concern to UNHCR worldwide. In 2020, war, conflict, and persecution forced more than 82.4 million people to flee their homes across the globe amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has inflicted devastating challenges. As a result, millions of refugees, displaced and stateless persons often face difficulties accessing their essential needs, health care and education and are in dire need of assistance.
Mr. Wisut Ponnimit, known as “Tum”, created Mamuang character 18 years ago. For almost two decades, he explains, “people have displayed so much love and friendship for Mamuang that now, she can pass on this compassion, inspiration and positivity onto others. So today, I hope Mamuang will be able to share her love, kindness and generosity to fellow citizens on her new journey contributing to UNHCR mission,” concluded Mamuang’s creator.
Tum wishes “Mamuang for UNHCR” will serve as a new voice for refugees and leverage more support to refugees, displaced and stateless persons from the Thai people. Mr. Giuseppe De Vincentiis, UNHCR Representative in Thailand, welcomes Mamuang as a new UNHCR voice in Thailand. Even more so now, as “we are witnessing the highest levels of displacement on record that UNHCR has seen in 70 years. Corporates, institutions, governmental institutions and individuals in Thailand have shown solidarity to alleviate the sufferings of millions of lives with generous donations. These funds have enabled us to deliver lifesaving assistance such as shelter, water and medical care to people of concern to UNHCR. As a result, UNHCR has been able to respond promptly to global emergencies and to provide protection services to refugees, asylum seekers and stateless persons in Thailand,” said Mr. Giuseppe De Vincentiis.
“Mamuang for UNHCR” is starting her humanitarian mission with her sticker available for download on LINE Sticker Shop. Net proceeds will be donated to UNHCR to support refugee families and displaced and stateless persons worldwide. UNHCR also invites you to be the first to meet Mamuang for UNHCR in person at Mega Bangna during 9-15 December 2021 before she goes on with other missions all around Thailand next year.
Original article published on UNHCR
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