Force of good is much stronger than Force of evil, with Kelly Clements | UNHCR DHC | Awake at Night

From Bangladesh to Kosovo, Syria to Sudan, Kelly Clements has spent more than 30 years helping to save lives during some of the biggest refugee and humanitarian crises in recent times. Now the outgoing Deputy High Commissioner at the UN's refugee agency, UNHCR, she’s making an impassioned case for a more humane world. “How can we convince those that continue to wage wars that continue to treat people badly? How can we show what's possible with a little hope, compassion, and more peace? The force of good is much stronger than the force of evil.” Global refugee needs are surging as wealthy nations turn away from helping the most vulnerable people on earth. In this episode, Kelly Clements reflects on her deep frustration at the devastating cuts to life-saving UN services, on the lasting power of helping just one person, and shares how the love of her family always gives her strength to serve. [00:00] Introduction [01:08] Discovering refugee protection [08:54] The upbringing that shaped her worldview [14:03] Choosing public service over private sector [15:52] Why refugee protection became her life’s work [17:02] A defining image from Albania [18:57] Joining UNHCR [21:28] A kernel of hope in Syria [23:01] Refugee needs rising as funding collapses [24:06] The human cost of humanitarian cuts [25:08] Losing 6,500 UNHCR colleagues [26:11] Making the case for refugee protection [26:34] Sudan’s devastation up close [31:45] Witnessing Ukraine’s resilience [33:24] What people need most in crisis [34:19] The heartbreak of protracted exile [36:09] What keeps Kelly awake at night [37:19] Leaving UNHCR after a lifetime of service [38:27] Why she still believes the world can improve Listen to more Awake at Night episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwoDFQJEq_0b6hu1e8oxsch9W0D7vkNqt #podcast #UnitedNations #AwakeAtNight #Refugees #UNHCR About Awake at Night Hosted by Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, the podcast ‘Awake at Night’ is an in-depth interview series focusing on remarkable United Nations staff members who dedicate their career to helping people in parts of the world where they have the hardest lives – from war zones and displacement camps to areas hit by disasters and the devastation of climate change.


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