Everyone must help refugees: UN on Refugee Day

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – It is everyone’s duty to help refugees in rebuilding their lives after a particularly difficult year for many of them, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in a message marking World Refugee Day on Sunday. 

“For so many, coronavirus pandemic has wiped out the livelihoods of many, led to stigmatization and vilification, and exposed them to disproportionately affected by the virus,” he added.

Guterres stressed that “Refugees once again demonstrated their invaluable contribution to their adoptive societies as essential and frontline workers.”

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the number of people in need of international protection rose last year to about 82.4 million. This is an increase of 4% on top of the already existing record level set in 2019 at 79.5 million people.

On June 18, the UNHCR’s Flagship Global Trends Report revealed that restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic have not slowed forced displacement around the world.