Grandi: Global Agreement for Refugees Essential

In the case of World Refugees Day, June 20th, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Philippo Grandi has expressed the need for global refugee agreements.

Below without his message, sent through a memo from W NHCR, branch in Kosovo.

Global Agreement for Refugees Essential

Today, World Refugees Day is a time for solidarity with refugees and with communities welcoming them. As the conflicts erupt, repeat, continue and deepen, 68.5 million people have moved around the world. Nine out of ten displaced persons are within their own country, or in a neighbouring country, while the impact is massive for refugees and communities that open their doors. Now, more than ever, caring for refugees should be global responsibility both for everyone. It's time to do things differently.

A new model is now being tested, with positive results based on equality, justice and humanitarian values and standards. Countries and communities need more systematic and long-term support, as they take over helping displaced families. Refugees themselves should be involved in new communities and have the opportunity to realise their potential. It takes solutions to help refugees return home at the right time or to build their lives elsewhere. The global refugee agreement, which will be approved this year, aims to do so.

It is imperative that laws and policies be guided. But people and local communities are on the front line when refugees arrive and whose welcome makes the difference between rejection and involvement; between despair and hope; between leaving behind and building a future. Parting responsibility for refugees starts there.

We see this every day in Beirut, Lebanon, Cox Baser; Bangladesh; Yumbe, Uganda; Frankfurt, Germany; Lima, Peru, in countless villages, towns, and cities around the world. There are men, women and children there, local organisations and trust groups, teachers, local business people and municipal leaders who distinguish with humanity, compassion and solidarity.

Often, these communities are in their own margins in remote border areas, or with few resources for themselves. When refugees arrive, however, they generously share what is motivated by human compassion and dignity. And when people work together, the results are powerful.

Who are these daily heroes? People who know what to mean are a community and are willing to help others, to belong to the community as well. By extending the hand of help, or by working together as part of a local church or mosque, a group of schools, sports team, cooperation, or youth group. Some of them themselves have been refugees and know what that means. By their generosity, they enhance the potential of refugees and endless opportunities to help them.

Support for refugees to rebuild their lives, we need all of us working together so that they can achieve what most of us take for granted education, a place to live, a job, being part of a community. In time, the impact is great for refugee families and those who welcome them. On World Refugees Day, it's time to get to know their humanity in action and challenge yourself and others, to join them in accepting and supporting refugees in our schools, neighborhoods, and jobs. So solidarity begins here with all of us.