On the occasion of World Refugee Day, June 20, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, expressed the need for a global agreement on refugees in a message.
Below is his message, sent through a statement from UNHCR, branch in Kosovo.
Global agreement on refugees is essential
Today, on World Refugee Day, it's time for solidarity with refugees - and the communities that welcome them. As conflicts erupt, recur, persist and deepen, 68.5 million people are displaced worldwide. Nine out of ten of those displaced are within their own country, or in a neighboring country, and the impact is massive - for refugees and for the communities that open their doors. Now, more than ever, caring for refugees must be a global responsibility - and everyone's. It's time to do things differently.
A new model is now being tested, with positive results – based on equality, justice and humanitarian values and standards. Countries and communities need more systematic and long-term support as they undertake to help displaced families. The refugees themselves must be included in the new communities and have the opportunity to realize their potential. Solutions are needed to help refugees return home when the time is right, or build their lives elsewhere. The global agreement on refugees, which will be adopted this year, aims to do this.
It is imperative that laws and policies are put on the right track. But local people and communities are on the front lines when refugees arrive and whose welcome makes the difference - the difference between rejection and inclusion; between despair and hope; between leaving behind and building a future. Sharing the responsibility for refugees starts there.
We see this every day - in Beirut, Lebanon, Cox's Bazar; Bangladesh; Yumbe, Uganda; Frankfurt, Germany; Lima, Peru, in countless villages, towns and cities around the world. It is the men, women and children there, local organizations and faith groups, teachers, local business people and municipal leaders who make a difference - with humanity, compassion and solidarity.
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Often, these communities are themselves on the margins - in remote border areas, or with few resources of their own. However, when refugees come, they generously share what they have motivated by compassion and a sense of human dignity. And, when people work together, the results are powerful.
Who are these everyday heroes? People who know what it means to belong to a community - and are willing to help others belong to the community as well. By lending a helping hand, or working together - as part of a local church or mosque, school group, sports team, co-op or youth group. Some of them have been refugees themselves and know what this means. Through their generosity, they shine a light on the potential of refugees - and the endless possibilities to help them.
Supporting refugees to rebuild their lives takes all of us - working together so they can achieve what most of us take for granted - education, a place to live, a job, being part of a community. Over time, the impact is huge—for refugee families and those who welcome them. On World Refugee Day, it's time to recognize their humanity in action - and challenge yourself and others to join them - in welcoming and supporting refugees in our schools, neighborhoods and workplaces. This is where solidarity begins - with all of us.
