Ex-NBA Player Wenyen Gabriel Becomes UNHCR Ambassador, Highlights Refugee Contributions

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has appointed South Sudanese basketball player Wenyen Gabriel as its newest Goodwill Ambassador. Gabriel, who has played in the NBA and now competes in European leagues, expressed his desire to use this role to showcase the substantial contributions refugees can offer to the communities that welcome them. "We bring very valuable qualities to those communities, we want to build a better life and we are willing to work. We come from places where there are no opportunities, no access to healthcare or education, and that's why we don't take those things for granted," Gabriel stated in an interview with EFE.

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We bring very valuable qualities to those communities, we want to build a better life and we are willing to work. We come from places where there are no opportunities, no access to healthcare or education, and that's why we don't take those things for granted

Gabriel, born in Khartoum, Sudan, to parents who had already taken refuge there due to conflict, later fled with his family to Egypt before eventually being resettled in New Hampshire, USA. He shared how his parents' experiences and their strong work ethic, holding multiple jobs while encouraging his education, played a crucial role in shaping his future and his drive to build a better life. "My parents told me about their experiences and I could see their work ethic firsthand: they both had two jobs and always encouraged me to study, to learn. All of that played a fundamental role in my future and in my desire to build a better life," he recalled.

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My parents told me about their experiences and I could see their work ethic firsthand: they both had two jobs and always encouraged me to study, to learn. All of that played a fundamental role in my future and in my desire to build a better life

Gabriel frequently travels to South Sudan, engaging in humanitarian projects and visiting refugee camps, such as one in Maban where he inaugurated a new basketball court. He believes that even seemingly small contributions, like a sports facility, can foster community and bring joy. "Many people might wonder what a court can bring to people who have such urgent needs, but I believe it brings community, it unites people. It is a source of happiness. I saw children playing basketball for the first time in their lives, their smiles, how they regained some of their dignity," he said.

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Many people might wonder what a court can bring to people who have such urgent needs, but I believe it brings community, it unites people. It is a source of happiness. I saw children playing basketball for the first time in their lives, their smiles, how they regained some of their dignity

Gabriel and other South Sudanese refugees and migrants have brought international recognition to their country through basketball. The national team has competed in the FIBA World Cup and the recent Paris Olympics, narrowly missing the quarterfinals. Gabriel noted that many national team players, like himself, grew up abroad, in countries such as the United States, Canada, or Australia, and that the opportunities provided in those nations enabled them to reach the highest level in their sport. "Our successes have served as inspiration for many people in our country, they have united us and generated many positive things that go far beyond basketball," he added.

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Our successes have served as inspiration for many people in our country, they have united us and generated many positive things that go far beyond basketball