This Sunday marks 20 years since the first World Refugee Day and the 70th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. With over 82.4 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, an increase of 3 million since last year, it feels almost bitter-sweet to join with civil society across the world in celebrating this day. Indeed, the growing levels of socio-economic injustices, political instabilities and incredulous suffering faced by refugees in almost every country and community makes it difficult to find something positive to say.
We join the thousands of other voices on this day in calling for assertive and progressive action on these challenges. However, we also pause for a moment to reflect upon and to celebrate the richness that people with refugee status bring to all of our communities.
If you were on our social media feeds today, you will have noted our graphic that depicts a number of people from various backgrounds with the caption: “Refugees are…”
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you read that? Is it a word that implies vulnerability or a phrase that alludes to suffering? Indeed, people with refugee status require our assistance and our collective voice to contribute to socio-economic and political change.
However, in reality – people with refugee status are just like you or me. They are employers, teachers, nurses, doctors, spokespeople, CEOs, students, investors, parents, business owners, lawyers, consumers, neighbours, mentors…and the list goes on.
People with refugee status have an immeasurable impact on our communities, in our workplaces, our centres of education and our economies. They contribute unique and rich life experiences, cultures and languages that we all benefit from. This is why #InternationalRefugeeDay exists – to recognise and to celebrate the strength in our diversity.
As a Network, we also recognise all of the initiatives and projects being carried out by our Members in order to promote the integration and inclusion of people with refugee status.
Whether it’s the Fédération de l’Entraide Protestante and their project, SAFE, designed to develop and improve access to international protection – or Diaconia Valdese’s linguistic, cultural, legal and vocational programmes, our Members work has been vital towards ensuring that people arriving in Europe feel safe, supported and connected.
Yes – the global situation for our refugee communities is dire and requires immediate action and yes, the road ahead is long. However, on this #InternationalRefugeeDay, I hope you can join us in celebrating the invaluable skills, culture and life experience that people with refugee status contribute to our communities each and every day.