This year’s Eurovision Song Contest has seen three people from refugee backgrounds feature in the competition.

Representing Sweden is Tousin “Tusse” Chiza (pictured), a musician and singer born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

He was granted asylum in Sweden after spending three years in a refugee camp in Uganda.

Tusse has shared his experience in overcoming challenges of settling in and adapting to new situations, helping empower young people facing similar difficulties.

Also, representing Russia is Manizha, a singer, musician and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.

She fled Tajikistan in 1994 during the conflict and is now an advocate for the refugee cause, speaking out for refugees everywhere.

Manizha hopes to inspire other refugees and remind the world that when given the chance, anyone can contribute to society through their talents, skills and strength of the human spirit.

Also, representing The Netherlands is Ahmad Joudeh, a ballet dancer with a refugee background.

Ahmad performs during the interval of the second semi-final on 20 May. The performance is titled ‘Close Encounters of a Special Kind’ and is based on the theme of humanity’s natural desire for connection and the need for mutual understanding.

The UN Refugee Agency UNHCR, in a statement, said it was delighted to see an unprecedented three performers with refugee backgrounds participating in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

The competition is taking place in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, between May 18 and 22 and is organised by the European Broadcasting Union.

This year’s Eurovision theme is ‘Open Up’ and it is hoped the event will help bring people together in a spirit of unity and inclusion during these difficult times.

Australia’s entrant in Eurovision 2021 was Montaigne who and claims her origins as a mix of Argentinian, Spanish, Filipino and French.