Popstar Cody Simpson donates Twitter feed to Syrian refugee as part of UN's #ShareHumanity social media push
Australian musician Cody Simpson has granted a Syrian refugee access to his Twitter account to tell his harrowing tale of escape from the war-torn region as part of a UN social media scheme.
The 18-year-old who boasts 7.52m followers gave Thair Orfahli the chance to discuss his escape from Syria which led him on a journey through Lebanon, Egypt, Italy and finally Germany.
The move came as part of the UN’s #ShareHumanity scheme which encourages Twitter celebs with sizable followings (including Jet Li, Richard Branson and Brazilian footballer Kaká) to share real stories of human suffering.
Below are some of Orfali's tweets.
my feed won’t be the same over the next day, @ThairDamascus is taking over. it’s for a special cause. see you on the 19th #ShareHumanity
— Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 13, 2015
#Syria is filled with tension and fighting. I’m not sure what the future holds for me here. #Damascus #ShareHumanity -@ThairDamascus4
— Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 13, 2015
Syrian refugees now make up 1 in 4 people in #Lebanon. #ShareHumanity -@ThairDamascus
— Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 13, 2015
I no longer feel safe in Lebanon, a group of us will leave for #Egypt tomorrow. #ShareHumanity -@ThairDamascus
— Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 13, 2015
The security situation in #Egypt is worsening a curfew is now in place. I need to move on. -@ThairDamascus
— Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 13, 2015
My passport was stolen and I can’t get a new one so I cannot get a visa to stay in #Egypt. #ShareHumanity -@ThairDamascus
— Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 13, 2015
Paid US$2000 for the crossing from Alexandria to Italy. Many don’t make it but I need to take the risk. #ShareHumanity -@ThairDamascus
— Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 13, 2015
On a boat to Italy w/ 234 other refugees and migrants. Their strength is unbelievable. #ShareHumanity -@ThairDamascus pic.twitter.com/YUe47RMHMG
— Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 13, 2015
I have no passport, no money, and no clothes. Nothing. But I am happy to be alive. #Italy #ShareHumanity -@ThairDamascus
— Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 13, 2015
I’ve travelled 3248KM so far. It’s hard to say goodbye to Italy but it’s not my best hope for asylum. #ShareHumanity -@ThairDamascus
— Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 13, 2015
After a long & dangerous trip I arrive in #Munich, the entry point for many migrants. #ShareHumanity -@ThairDamascus pic.twitter.com/0W7N9lxaK7
— Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 14, 2015
I’m @ThairDamascus thank you @CodySimpson for letting me share my story. pic.twitter.com/KhD58B1Csn
— Cody Simpson (@CodySimpson) August 14, 2015
Calling on social media users to get involved, Stephen O’Brien, UN humanitarian chief, said: "We’re calling on the young and digitally-connected to help us push out these compelling stories and give a voice to the voiceless.
“Young people often ask me what they can do to help and I believe we have a shared responsibility to raise awareness and help to inspire humanity on these global issues.”
Catch the full story on Simpson’s Twitter feed @CodySimpson.