NEW YORK: Conflict, climate chaos and upheaval have forced more than 120 million people from their homes including 43.5 million who have fled across national borders, said the UN Secretary-General in his message for World Refugee Day, marked on Thursday.
That’s a record number on the move – ‘fuelling profound human suffering’, António Guterres added, while at the same time honouring their strength and courage.
Drawing attention to the day each 20 June, is also about stepping up efforts to protect and support those forced from their homes ‘on every stop of their journey.’
‘Refugees need global solidarity and the ability to rebuild their lives in dignity,’ he continued.
‘Given the opportunity, refugees make significant contributions to their host communities, but they need access to equal opportunities and to jobs, housing, and healthcare.’
Youngsters need quality education amid the upheaval, and generous host nations also need resources so that refugees can be fully integrated into society and the labour
force.
‘Let us pledge to reaffirm the world’s collective responsibility in assisting and welcoming refugees’, uphold their human rights – including to asylum – and ultimately, help resolve the conflicts that are uprooting so many,” the Secretary-General said.
Source: Emirates News Agency