As we celebrate yet another World Refugee Day (20 June), we honor the courage and resilience of the 103 million individuals who have faced forced displacement due to conflicts and unrest around the world. These staggering figures hide countless human stories marked by loss and broken dreams.
The day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility as global citizens and calls for engagement and empathy. It is a day to promote solidarity between communities, and most importantly, to reflect on the importance of welcoming refugees and displaced persons into our communities.
Global conflicts that include ongoing wars in Ukraine, Myanmar and Sudan, and protracted situations in Afghanistan and Somalia present an unprecedented challenge. The crisis has spread to our region where many people have been uprooted from their homes.
Sadly, South and South East Asia is not immune to the challenges of displacement. India is home to approximately 250,000 forcibly displaced persons, half of whom are women and children. India continues to generously host and assist refugees and asylum seekers within its region – a testament to our shared humanity. We thank the Government of India for supporting it throughout its history by generously hosting refugees in a way that is worthy of appreciation and emulation.
Refugees want opportunities, not handouts
Today, we are reminded of the story of Ahmad, a young Afghan refugee (names used in this article are not real names to protect individuals) who took refuge in India fearing persecution in his country. After pursuing his education through distance learning program from National Institute of Open Schooling, he is now teaching refugee and local children and aspires to serve the community which has raised him from “nothing” to a part of the society. Elevated as a valuable member. It is remarkable how the institutional support empowered them to realize their potential and make them a valuable contributor to their community and society.
For refugee youth, it is not just a matter of talent; It is a matter of possibilities. They want opportunities, not handouts. They want to be self-sufficient and are eager to use their talents and passions to contribute to the communities that host them. We can all do more to give them the hope and opportunities they need when they are away from home.
There are many examples where we have seen refugee youth demonstrate extraordinary resilience and talent when given the right opportunity. With career support and a strong will, Taslima, a stateless person and twice-displaced Rohingya woman in India, was able to fulfill her dream of being educated and is now a role model for other girls in her community. Similarly, with the skill and guidance of experts, Ayesha, an Afghan refugee, is slowly making her way towards building a career as an artist-designer. She recently designed a line of swimwear for an emerging brand, which is now on sale through an online store.
break barriers
Refugees and asylum seekers face myriad barriers such as legal recognition and challenges in obtaining government-issued documents, which hinder their access to essential services including financial aid and health care. It is our responsibility to remove these barriers and ensure that they are provided with equal opportunities in employment, education, housing and health care.
Our efforts to build an inclusive society must address the unique needs of refugee youth. To ensure that virtually no one is left behind, we must engage and involve youth, especially refugee youth, in the realization of the sustainable development agenda.
Addressing the growing number of forcibly displaced people is an urgent moral imperative that demands our collective action. The Global Compact on Refugees acknowledges the magnitude of the displacement crisis and calls for solidarity through a whole-of-society approach. It is built on the understanding that the responsibility of forcibly displaced people is not limited to governments, but extends to each of us, including individuals, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations. It also recognizes that the Global South is disproportionately affected and that host communities are in need of assistance.
The Global Compact on Refugees seeks to enhance the international response, support host countries, promote self-reliance, and explore long-term solutions such as resettlement and safe return.
Let us embrace the principle of equitable burden-sharing and fulfill our responsibilities towards refugees, ensuring their well-being and the well-being of their benevolent host communities. In doing so, we can create a world where the potential of every refugee like Ahmed is realized and where hope and opportunity are abundant for those in need.
This is an important moment in our lifetime when we have the power to shape the generations to come. And we invite individuals, the private sector and governments to play their part in supporting youth in refugee and host communities. Together, we can indeed ensure that the Government of India’s vision of a ‘Developed Youth Developed India’ is realised.
As we mark today’s World Refugee Day, let us recommit ourselves to stand in solidarity with refugees and displaced persons, recognizing their strength, indomitable hope and untapped potential. Together, we can remove barriers, pave the way for meaningful opportunities, and restore their sense of dignity. We should never look here and there.
Oscar Mundia Head of Mission, UNHCR India and Maldives