UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador MIYAVI on music, supporting refugees

June 20 marks World Refugee Day, an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe.

In a recent interview with CGTN, Japanese rock guitarist and singer MIYAVI, who is also a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Goodwill Ambassador, said that doing humanitarian activities is a fuel for him.

"It's also the influential power and how you use that power for the community, for the world, for the future," he said.

The Japanese musician also spoke about the challenges humanitarian organizations face today, including declining global funding to the UN. "When the economy goes down, we all suffer," said MIYAVI, calling for donations and relevant support from the world.

Appointed as UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador in 2017, MIYAVI is the first Japanese national to hold this position. During the interview, he also shared stories of visiting a refugee camp for the first time and how he brings happiness to children there through music.

(Cover image: MIYAVI with children at a refugee camp. /UNHCR)