Awake at Night podcast

What does it take to be a United Nations worker in some of the world’s most difficult and dangerous locations?

How are UN humanitarians, human rights advocates, prosecutors, development experts, climate leaders and peacekeepers improving our world?
Stationed in all reaches of the world and witness to suffering and atrocities, how are they helping people and coping themselves?
To find out, Melissa Fleming meets them.

 

Search for Awake At Night wherever you listen to podcasts, and subscribe to hear it first.

Subscribe Share About Past Seasons
 

Teaser

 

Full podcast

 

 

 

Season Thirteen

Kelly leans into 2 girl-pupils for a photo-op

“It was a life-changing moment, not because of what I did, but because of what kind of an impact it had on another human being ... "

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.

Kelly Clements :: interviewed by Melissa Fleming