When is World Refugee Day?
World Refugee Day is an international day organised every year on 20 June by the United Nations.
It is designed to celebrate and honour refugees from around the world.
The day was first established on 20 June 2001,in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.
Significance of the day
The event aims to recognise the strength of the refugees who have fled the conflict and persecution of their country in hope of finding sanctuary and living a better life.
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World Refugee Day builds the concept of understanding for their plight which shows one's resilience and courage in the rebuilding of their future.
This day is a reminder of our collective responsibility as global citizens and a call 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.
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Challenges faced by the refugees
Refugees and asylum seekers encounter a myriad of obstacles, such as legal recognition and challenges in obtaining government-issued documents, which hinder their access to essential services, including financial support and health care.
Refugees are not treated well by the local residents of the place.
They are considered as a burden on the local economy.
The local residents feel that refugees are snatching their job opportunities in that area.
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Spreading diseases
Problem of shelter and food.
Lack of employment.
Low wages
Way forward
Refugees want opportunities, not handouts.
Refugees wish to be self-reliant and are eager to use their talents and passions to contribute to the communities hosting them.
Our efforts in creating an inclusive society must cater to the unique needs of refugee youth.
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To ensure that truly no one is left behind, we should engage with and include youth, especially refugee youth, in the realisation of the Sustainable Development Agenda.
Addressing the rising number of the forcibly displaced 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.
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Responsibility towards the forcibly displaced is not limited to governments but extends to each one of us including individuals, the private sector, non-government organisations and community-based organisations.
It also recognises that the Global South is disproportionately affected and that host communities need assistance.
The Global Compact on Refugees strives to enhance the international response, support host countries, promote self-reliance, and explore long-term solutions such as resettlement and safe returns.
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Embrace the principle of equitable burden-sharing and fulfil our responsibilities to refugees, ensuring their well-being and the well-being of their generous host communities.
Invite individuals, the private sector and governments to do their part in supporting youth from refugee and host communities.
Together, we can truly ensure the Government of India’s vision of ‘Viksit Yuva Viksit Bharat’ is realized.
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