Former Refugee Mary Nyiriak Maker Appointed UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador
Kakuma, 25 September 2026
After spending 22 years in Kenya’s Kakuma camp, South Sudanese refugee Mary Nyiriak Maker has been named a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador to champion global refugee education and mobility.
From Kakuma to Global Advocacy
Mary Nyiriak Maker’s journey began under the shadow of displacement when she arrived at Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp at just three years old [1]. Believing that her stay would be temporary—perhaps lasting only two or three years—she instead spent more than two decades within the camp [1]. Arriving as a toddler, her stay extended far beyond her family’s initial expectations, making her 25 years old by the time her 22-year residency in the camp concluded [1]. Reflecting on this prolonged displacement, Maker recalled, “I thought we would be there for two or three years. I didn’t know I would stay in this camp for twenty-two years” [1].
Empowering Through Education
Despite the harsh realities of camp life, Maker focused on education as a pathway to change. After graduating from Nakuru Secondary School in Kenya, she spent two years teaching fellow refugee students [1]. This experience exposed her directly to the dual realities of camp life: the persistent hunger and systemic barriers, alongside an unyielding hope for a better future [1]. She noted the immense difficulty refugees face when trying to secure employment, even when they possess the determination to build better lives [1].
Overcoming Bureaucratic Hurdles
Maker’s academic journey eventually led her to the University of Minnesota in the United States, but the transition was marred by significant administrative obstacles [1]. Lacking standard citizenship verification and a passport, she faced the complex process of obtaining a Conventional Travel Document [1]. This essential document could only be procured in Nairobi, a process that is notoriously time-consuming for refugees [1]. Highlighting these systemic challenges, Maker has urged nations to simplify travel and documentation procedures to ensure that refugees can exercise their basic human right to freedom of movement [1].
A Message of Hope and Shared Humanity
Now serving as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, Maker utilizes her platform to advocate for refugee rights, mobility, and educational opportunities on a global scale [1][2]. She remains a vocal source of encouragement for displaced youth, urging them to maintain their faith in education and community [1]. Maker maintains that places like South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will eventually find peace, and that today’s refugee children are the leaders of tomorrow [1].
A Universal Reminder
Ultimately, Maker’s advocacy is built on the premise that displacement is a universal vulnerability. She frequently reminds global audiences that peace is fragile, stating, “Anyone can be a refugee. Today your country has peace, tomorrow it could be your country that you are fleeing” [1]. Through her poignant message—“Today it is South Sudan, tomorrow it could be your country”—she continues to challenge global perceptions and advocate for the dignity of millions of displaced people worldwide [1][2].