World Refugee Day 2021: A refugee is a person who fled his home and country for fear of persecution owing to his race, colour, religion, terror, war or any such extreme conditions. The refugees are the ones who find it very difficult to find shelter in a land that’s utterly alien to them. Many refugees are in exile or hiding to escape the effect of natural calamities and man created conditions.
World Refugee Day – 20th June 2021
An international day is declared to raise awareness about the state of refugees all over the world. The United Nations has recognized 20th June of every year as World Refugee Day. This international day is observed worldwide but is not a national holiday.
Let’s make a difference this World Refugee Day, accept Refugees as one amongst us.
World Refugee Day 2021 – History
In the year 2000, on 4th December, the United Nations General Assembly passed resolution number 55/76 and decided that World Refugee Day to be observed on 20th June annually worldwide. In the resolution, the general assembly also noted that 2001 marked the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to refugees’ status. This day is commemorated or observed to honour all refugees, raise awareness about their state and show support for the cause.
Before the United Nations declaring World Refugee Day, many countries worldwide formally celebrated African Refugee Day. The Organization of African Unity (OAU) had agreed with the United Nations to coincide the World Refugee day with African Refugee day. This consent is noted in the resolution passed by the United Nations on 4th December 2000. The World Day of Migrants and Refugees is celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church annually in January. Pope Plus X instigated in the year 1914.
World Refugee Day 2021 Significance
World Refugee Day is all about spreading refugee awareness. Many refugees live in exile to escape getting thrown out of a place, a particular community, a specific religion, race or colour. Their state and struggle for a living are challenging to comprehend. The United Nations recognized this day to help such people find a safer place to live, help them earn and live, and lead a healthy life without fear.
Many people have fled countries like Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Africa due to the civil war in these countries. They had to escape from their homes to save their life. After a long struggle of many days of hiding, escape and walk, only a few people manage to reach a safe place alive. Many children become orphans; a lot of people have seen many of their family members die in front of them.
These people have to manage to live in refugee camps where ever they are put. There will be only one person earning some money managing small jobs to maintain the entire family’s needs. It primarily affects children physiologically.
Most of the times, when they leave their homes, they are unable to collect any of their belongings. It makes them illegal immigrants instead of refugees. To fight out all of these conditions and arrive at a winner in life, such people need a lot of love and support. The United Nations declared this international day in favour of such people to help support and sustain.
Let us make everybody feel they belonged. One world, one community and all are our people. Spread awareness and do our small bit for society.