New York, SANA- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for translating solidarity with refugees from mere words into concrete actions, and for increased humanitarian and development support to be provided.
“Today we honor the millions of refugees forced to flee wars, persecution, and disasters. Each one of them has a painful story, and many of them face closed doors and rising waves of xenophobia.” On the occasion of World Refugee Day, which falls on June 20th of each year, and which the UN celebrates this year under the theme “Solidarity with Refugees,” Guterres said in a message carried by the UN News website.
He affirmed the imperative of listening to refugees and ensuring their active role in shaping their futures. He called for investments in long-term integration through education, decent work, and equal rights.
Guterres noted that refugees continue to demonstrate exceptional levels of courage, resilience, and determination, and when given the opportunity, they make valuable contributions to strengthening economies, enriching cultures, and deepening social bonds.
The Secretary-General concluded his message by saying: “If we never choose to be refugees, we choose how to deal with asylum, let solidarity, courage and humanity be our choice.”
Reem Safi/MHD Ibrahim
