2019 World Refugee Day: UNHCR chief restates commitment to ending forceful displacement of people

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Today, the global community commemorated the 2019 World Refugee Day, a United Nations international observance that aims to create awareness about the daily struggles of refugees and displaced persons. This year`s event is themed: “Global Compact for Refugees.”

The 2019 World Refugee Day under the theme: “Global Compact for Refugees,” seeks for more investments in communities that host refugees to help ease the burden on the host, as well as to help refugees become self-reliant and independent. “On this World Refugee Day, and also every day, my colleagues and I pledge to do all we can to help you – not just to get by, but also to thrive,” says Filippo Grandi UN High Commisioner for Refugees in a statement to mark the 2019 World Refugee Day.

According to the UN Refugee Agency, the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide had risen to over 70 million by the end of 2018, the highest number in the organization’s history. “The UN General Assembly [has] passed the Global Compact on Refugees, which seeks a more predictable and equitable sharing of responsibility to find lasting solutions for the displaced,” the UNHCR chief said in the statement.

Grandi however decried the fact that some countries of the world were introducing restrictions hurting refugees` access to asylum such as boats being hindered from rescuing drowning refugees. “But many generous countries and communities are still welcoming places. And new partners from development and the private sector are offering investment and expertise. Ordinary people are donating and volunteering. Voices of humanity are holding their ground.”