Submitted By: THANDISIZWE MGUDLWA
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, July 29, 2022/ — “I want people to know
about South Sudan. I always wanted to go back, and I am happy I’ve
made it here.”
These are the words of LA Lakers’ Power Forward and former refugee
Wenyen Gabriel, who this week is in South Sudan visiting his homeland
for the first time since being resettled to the US at a young age.
During his visit with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, Gabriel met with
families and individuals displaced due to floods and conflict in
the region.
Gabriel was born in Sudan’s capital Khartoum in 1997 after his parents
fled the civil war in the south.
The NBA player commented, “I am here in South Sudan for the first time
since my family fled the country. We were resettled to the US as
refugees with the support of UNHCR. My experience makes me want to
speak up for refugees and displaced people everywhere and help make a
difference.”
Wenyen began playing basketball at a young age and currently plays for
the LA Lakers, which is one of the most successful teams in the
history of the NBA.
Now 25 years of age, Wenyen is keen to support the work of UNHCR and
harness the power of sport to help those forced to flee to build a
better future.
He played college basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats, after being a
5-star prospect in 2016, ranked as high as #14 on ESPN’s Top 100.
Gabriel has also played in the NBA for the Sacramento Kings, Portland
Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, Brooklyn Nets, and Los Angeles
Clippers.
Gabriel stated: “I want people to know about South Sudan. I always
wanted to go back, and I am happy I’ve made it here. I’ve organized a
basketball camp this week for children, including 21 displaced
children. I visited camps with UNHCR, seeing with my own eyes the
importance of helping people who’ve been forced to flee their homes,
though there is a major shortage of funds for life-saving assistance.
The world shouldn’t forget about South Sudan.”
Arafat Jamal, UNHCR’s Representative welcoming Gabriel in South Sudan,
has this to say, “We’re honored to have such a dedicated, energetic
and compassionate athlete with us. I am moved by his passion for
giving back to his home country, and I look forward to continuing our
partnership to build hope and opportunity for South Sudanese youth.”
As previously revealed, South Sudan’s refugee crisis is the largest in
Africa and it is also one of UNHCR’s most underfunded crises in the
world, even though the needs are high, experts confirm.
And that millions are also internally displaced due to conflict and
insecurity, as well as flooding and drought driven by climate change.
Wenyen Gabriel started supporting UNHCR in 2020, including by
amplifying key campaigns as well as marking South Sudan’s
Independence Day as a moment to gather attention for the humanitarian
the situation in the country.
Gabriel continued, “South Sudan is a young country but it’s one with
much potential. Many South Sudanese in the diaspora have been
successful. We have world-famous models, athletes, and entrepreneurs. I
want to contribute my part and help my people, including refugees and
people displaced within South Sudan, through the unifying power of
sports and especially basketball.”
