UNICEF USA Announces Actor Justin H. Min as Newest Ambassador
Ahead of World Refugee Day, Min Visited UNICEF Programming in Lebanon Supporting Children and Their Families
NEW YORK (June 9, 2022) - UNICEF USA has appointed actor Justin H. Min (The Umbrella Academy, After Yang), as the newest UNICEF Ambassador. The announcement, in advance of World Refugee Day, comes days after Justin’s visit to Lebanon where he met with Syrian refugees and learned from experts about the work UNICEF is doing in Lebanon.
Lebanon is currently host to over 1.5 million displaced Syrians, the highest number of displaced persons per capita and per square kilometer in the world. Min visited an informal settlement in the Baalbek-Hermel region where he spoke with children and their families about their experiences and hopes for the future. While there, Min learned from UNICEF experts about the WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) programs that are implemented to prevent the spread of disease and participated in activities that encourage a child’s right to play.
Min also traveled to Mount Lebanon and Beirut where he learned how UNICEF is working to assimilate Syrians into Lebanese society, while also supporting the devastating impact of the socio-economic crisis in Lebanon. There are currently 700,000 children, 37 percent of the total school-aged population, out of school in Lebanon. Min visited a School Bridging Program that UNICEF and partners are supporting to get Syrian and Lebanese children back to school. This program pays for the child’s tuition, distributes school supplies, hygiene kits and recreational materials and encourages caregivers to be active participants in their child’s learning experience.
“Lebanon faces multiple compounding crises that have shaken the country's economy to its core,” said Min. “Traveling with UNICEF and seeing their 360-degree approach to empower local communities and protect children reminds me that change happens when we create sustainable, long-term solutions. As the newest UNICEF Ambassador, I am honored to take what I've learned and advocate for the people of Lebanon and refugees everywhere.”
Min has been involved with UNICEF since 2020, participating in virtual program visits, moderating speaking events and lending his platform to amplify youth voices. As a UNICEF Ambassador, Min will champion children’s rights and activate his networks in support of UNICEF’s mission of relentlessly pursuing a more equitable world for every child.
“Justin formally joins the UNICEF family at a time when the need for powerful voices has never been more important,” said President and CEO of UNICEF USA Michael J. Nyenhuis. “There are over 80 million displaced people around the world, of that over 40 percent are children. It’s our duty to ensure that these children and their families are protected, no matter where in the world they are. With voices like Justin, UNICEF USA will continue to amplify the stories of these children and evoke action that leads to change.”
As a UNICEF Ambassador, Min joins a roster of high-profile individuals who advocate for children’s rights on behalf of UNICEF including Sofia Carson, Selena Gomez, Jeremy Lin, Alyssa Milano and P!NK among others.
To learn how to support UNICEF's work in Lebanon visit http://www.unicefusa.org/ActNowLebanon
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Download Media Assets – Courtesy of Fouad Choufany for UNICEF USA
About UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. UNICEF USA supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit unicefusa.org
For more information, contact
Julianne O’Connell, UNICEF USA joconnell@unicefusa.org