Brian Sokol from NYC has been working on a project called ” The Most Important Thing ” it is supported by the UN Refugee Agency and it consists of portraits of refugees with their one thing that they could bring with them while running away from home. Sokol started his project in Sudan where more than 100,000 refugees have crossed the border between Sudan’s Blue Nile state and South Sudan;s Upper Nile state from November of 2011.
The most important thing Omar was able to bring with him is the axe you see him holding in the picture below. He used this axe to build shelter for his family while they were on their journey
The most important thing Maria could take with her is this Jerrycan that she holds in the picture below. this was taken at Jamam camp in Maban County, South Sudan
The most important thing Howard was able to bring with him is this long knife called shefe, he used it to defend his family and his herd of 20 cattle while on their 20 day journey from Bau County to South Sudanese border
The most important thing Torjam brought with him is two plastic bottles, one with water and one with cooking oil. ” All I could carry was this, and an axe. We couldn’t bring much, and even had to leave some other old people behind
The most important thing Hasan brought with him is this empty wallet. Though it is now empty, he had enough Maganza with him to buy food for his family during their 25 day journey to the South Sudanese border
The most important thing Ahmad was able to bring with him is his Monkey Kako, They both made the 5 day journey from Taga to South Sudanese border together on the back of a track
The most important thing Dowla was able to carry is this wooden pole balanced over her shoulder. This was used to carry her six children during their 10 day journey from Gabanit to South Sudan. At times, her children were so tired and were unable to walk she was forced to carry two on each side
The most important thing Shari brought with her was this stick she holds.” I’ve had this stick since I went blind six years ago. My son led me along the road with it. Without it and him, I would be dead now”
The most important thing Al Haj brought with him is this whip, without it he wouldn’t be able to keep is herd of 50 goats together
The most important thing Magboola brought with her is this cooking pot. it is small enough to carry but big enough to cook sorghum for herself and three daughters
Sokol also expanded his project to the Middle East, where he photographed Syrian refugees. The Syrian could bring very little stuff with them as most of the times they flee under the impression of taking a family walk of a leisurely drive. this means that they could only take what they could fit in their pockets or body.
The most important thing Salma brought with her is the ring she displayed on her finger. Her mother gave her this ring when she was ten years old. The ring  is not valuable, but it’s all she’s got left
The most important thing Tamara brought with her is her diploma. With it she will be able to continue her education in Turkey. They have a generous education program where the government allows qualified Syrian refugees to attend Turkish universities
The most important thing Ayman brought with him is his wife ” She’s the best women that I’ve met in my life. Even if I were to go back 55 years. I would choose you again ”
The most important thing Yusuf brought with him is his cell phone. ” With this, I’m able to call my father. We’re close enough to Syria here that I can catch a signal from the Syrian towers sometimes and then it is a local call to call home from Lebanon” The phone also holds photos of family that are still in Syria
The most important thing Leila brought with her is the jeans she holds in the picture.” I went shopping with my parents one day and looked for hours without finding anything I liked. but when I saw these I knew instantly that these were perfect because they have a flower on them. and I love flowers”
The most important thing Ahmed brought with him is this cane, without it he would not be able to make the two hour crossing on foot to the Iraqi border.” The only other thing I have left is this finger, all I want now is for my family to find a place where they can be safe and stay there forever”
The most important thing May brought with her is this set of bracelets she wears in this photograph ” The bracelets aren’t my favorite things, my doll Nancy is” May’s aunt gave her this doll on the sixth birthday. ” She reminded me of that day, the cake I had, and how safe I felt then when my whole family was together”
The most important thing Iman brought with her is the Koran she holds in the picture below.She says that religion is the most important aspect of her life and that the Koran inspires a sense of protection ” As long as I have it with me, I’m connected to God”
You can find the entire series in this flicker account: The UNHC’s Flicker account, The Sudan series can be found here and the Syrian series here. Also follow Sokol’s work on these links: website | Instagram
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