Embedded Files
2024.06.20
Seoul
World Refugee Day
Curtis Carney
Established by the United Nations in 2001, World Refugee Day offers a critical reminder of the resilience of millions of displaced people around the globe. This day marks an opportunity to raise awareness and reflect on the challenges faced by refugees, their rights and well-being. As the world grapples with increasing displacement due to international conflicts, political persecution, and environmental disasters, it is imperative to refocus our attention on human rights and call for collective action.
According to the United Nations there are 110 million people worldwide who have been forcibly displaced since the end of June 2023, including more than 32 million refugees. A majority of these cases being from Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Latin America and the Caribbean nations, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan and Ukraine. These alarming numbers display a crisis that demands our urgent attention as countless individuals are forced to flee their homes in search of safety and a better future for themselves and their children.
At the heart of this refugee crisis lies a fundamental issue: the blatant violation of human rights. Refugees often face severe infringements on their rights to life, liberty, and security. Enduring dangerous journey where they’re exposed to exploitation, violence, and even death. But the journey does not end upon reaching a safe haven, as they frequently encounter xenophobia, discrimination, and inadequate living conditions from poverty and lack of opportunity. World Refugee Day serves as a reminder that these individuals are not just statistics but human beings with inherent rights and dignities. It’s a call to uphold the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which asserts that everyone has the right to seek asylum from persecution. The Yonsei Human Rights Hub hopes to also play a role in protecting these rights.
The international community at large also plays a crucial role in addressing the crisis. Nations must uphold their obligations under international law, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, which outline the rights of refugees and the responsibilities of nations to protect them. However, fulfilling these obligations requires more than just policy; it demands both resources and humanitarian approach characterized by empathy and solidarity.
A prime example of a country with a positive approach to the refugee crisis is Canada. The county’s well-established refugee resettlement programs provide a safe haven for displaced individuals and offers them the opportunity to rebuild their lives through their Private Sponsorship of Refugees program. Since its inception in 1979, the PSR program has allowed private groups of Canadian citizens and organizations to sponsor refugees for resettlement and since 2020, more than 327,000 refugees have been resettled in Canada through the PSR program alone .
World Refugee Day is ultimately a call to transform our awareness into meaningful action. Individuals can leverage their voices by advocating for fair and humane refugee policies, urging governments to increase refugee intakes and dedicate resources for successful integration. Supporting established organizations like the UNHCR or local NGOs that provide healthcare, education, and legal aid directly supports refugees as well. Finally, promoting inclusivity in our own local communities and workplaces foster a welcoming environment for all which is another goal of the Yonsei Human Rights Hub. By advocating for initiatives that encourage integration and cultural exchange, refugees can feel valued and contribute their unique talents to society. These combined actions, big and small, pave the way for a world where refugees can flourish in a new community.
The plight of refugees is a shared responsibility by the global community that transcends borders. By refocusing on human rights and taking concrete steps, we can contribute to a world where refugees are not merely surviving but thriving. As we mark this important day, let us remember that our collective humanity is measured by how we treat the most vulnerable among us. It is through compassion, solidarity, and action that we can build a more just and equitable world for all. In the words of one of the world’s great leaders, Winston Churchill “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
Written by Curtis Carney for Yonsei GSIS Human Rights Hub
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