World Refugee Day: Guterres Calls for Tangible Support, Not Just Words

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, called for translating solidarity with refugees from mere words into tangible actions, and enhancing their humanitarian and developmental support.

This comes on the occasion of World Refugee Day, observed on the 20th of June every year, with the UN marking it this year under the theme of 'Standing with Refugees'.

In a message, Guterres wrote, 'Today, we honor the millions of refugees who have been forced to flee from wars, persecution, and disasters, each with a harrowing story, many facing closed doors and rising waves of xenophobia.'

Guterres emphasized the importance of listening to refugees, ensuring they have a voice in shaping their future, and investing in their long-term integration through education, decent work, and equal rights. He highlighted the significance of expanding protection and durable solutions such as resettlement, and supporting the right to seek asylum, a fundamental pillar of international law.

Guterres pointed out that refugees continue to demonstrate exceptional levels of courage, resilience, and determination, and when given the opportunity, they make meaningful contributions to boosting economies, enriching cultures, and deepening social bonds.

The Secretary-General concluded his message by saying, 'While we never choose to be refugees, we do choose how we respond to refuge. Let solidarity be our choice, let courage be our choice, and let humanity be our choice.'