World Refugee Day

Transcript

The 20th of June is World Refugee Day. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, there are now 11 million refugees and a total of nearly 32 million people of concern in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania (Protecting Refugees and the Role of UNHCR). People of concern include refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, and returnees.

These people face many serious problems. First, many have basic survival needs. They need food, water, clothing, shelter, sanitation, and sometimes protection from people who might try to harm them or kill them. Second, they need education and means of employment so they can help themselves. Third, many need to be accepted by other countries in order to have somewhere to live permanently. Now many countries are very reluctant to take asylum seekers because of economic concerns, prejudices against foreigners, or worries about security.

Most of us will never work directly with refugees as volunteers, but everyone help in several ways. For example, you can do three things immediately.

1. Learn about refugees and asylum seekers. Visit the Web site of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees at unhcr.org.
2. Donate money for food, shelter, and other basic needs. You can donate online through the United Nations or your favorite charity organization.
3. Encourage your government to accept more asylum seekers as refugees. Contact your political representatives and urge them to act with generosity.

Throughout history care for asylum seekers and refugees has been a sign of advanced human civilization. Generosity toward those who need our help should be perfectly normal for civilized people everywhere.