The number of people displaced by conflicts and crises in the world doubled in ten years, reaching a record 82.4 million, and Venezuela is the second most affected country behind Syria, according to the report. of Global Trends on Forced Displacement of the UN.
If international displacement situations are taken into account, Venezuela ranks second worldwide with 4 million (3.9 million without refugee status and some 170,000 with that status), only surpassed by Syria and the 6.7 million citizens who had to leave their homes, according to a report by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) released on Friday on the occasion of World Refugee Day, which is celebrated this Sunday.
The theme of Refugee Day 2021 is “Together we take care of each other, we light up and we shine”, which seeks that refugees and displaced people have access to insurance, medical care, quality education, scholarships and the practice of a sport. Next, we will tell you everything you need to know about this commemoration.
What is a refugee?
UNHCR notes that refugees are those fleeing armed conflict or persecution. Often, their situation is so dangerous and intolerable that they cross national borders to seek safety in nearby countries, and thus, be recognized internationally as “refugees”, with the assistance of states, international organizations and civil society organizations.
The 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees defines who is a refugee and establishes the basic rights that states must provide to refugees. One of the fundamental principles established in international law is that refugees should not be expelled or returned to situations where their lives and freedom could be threatened.
Refugee protection has many angles. These include protection against reversion to the dangers from which they have fled; access to fair and efficient asylum procedures; and measures that ensure that their basic human rights are respected, that allow them to live in dignified and safe conditions, while helping them find a longer-term solution.
Why is World Refugee Day commemorated?
World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees and displaced people from around the world. It is commemorated on June 20 of each year to enhance the strength and courage of people who have been forced to leave their home to escape conflict or persecution.
“World Refugee Day is an occasion to foster understanding and empathy towards refugees and displaced people in consideration of the difficult circumstances in which they find themselves; also, the date allows us to recognize their capacity for resilience in rebuilding their lives, “says UNHCR on its website.
World Refugee Day highlights the rights, needs and dreams of refugee and displaced populations; In doing so, it fosters the mobilization of resources and political will so that these populations not only survive, but also prosper.
When is it commemorated?
World Refugee Day is celebrated on June 20 each year in honor of refugees and displaced people from around the world. World Refugee Day was first celebrated globally on June 20, 2001, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.
Initially, before the United Nations General Assembly officially designated it as an international day in December 2000, it was known as African Refugee Day.
Refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, stateless persons and returnees
Refugees: Refugees, as we have already said, are the people who flee from armed conflict or persecution.
Asylum seekers: An asylum seeker is one who requests recognition of refugee status and whose application has not yet been definitively evaluated.
Internally displaced persons: Internally displaced persons have not crossed the borders of their countries to seek safety. Unlike refugees, their flight occurs within their own country.
Returnees: Returnees or returnees are the ones who manage to return home, which is the best durable solution, according to UNHCR.
With information from AFP and EFE
