World Refugee Day being observed today

ISLAMABAD: World Refugee Day is being observed on Tuesday (today) in Pakistan and countries around the world.

The day aims to honour the courage, strength and determination of refugees who are forced to flee their homeland under threat of persecution, conflict and violence.

This year’s theme of the day is ‘hope away from home’. The day also aims to build empathy and understanding for the plight of refugees and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.

Pakistan continues to be one of the world’s largest refugee-hosting countries, providing safety to millions of people forced to flee their countries.

These include mainly Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration, besides a small number of refugees and asylum-seekers from other countries such as Myanmar, Yemen, Somalia and Syria.

In a statement on the occasion, National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf underscored the necessity for a revitalized policy approach and appropriate allocation of resources to tackle the predicament faced by refugees on a global scale.

The Speaker acknowledged the hardships endured by refugees worldwide and emphasized on the urgent need to address their circumstances and provide essential resources.

He remarked that refugees represent the most vulnerable victims of conflicts and wars, grappling not only with the loss of their homes and livelihoods but also with the challenges of poverty and economic disparity.

The Speaker called for collaborative efforts on an international level to support developing nations that have generously welcomed large populations of displaced individuals.

He further highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to hosting millions of Afghan refugees for over four decades, applauding the remarkable generosity, hospitality, and compassion displayed by the people of Pakistan towards these refugees.

Considering the compounded challenges arising from socio-economic issues, Speaker Ashraf stressed the urgent requirement for increased international commitment in providing regular, predictable, and adequate funding to support Afghan refugees and facilitate their safe and dignified repatriation.

Additionally, he extended a global appeal, urging nations worldwide to demonstrate their support and solidarity in effectively addressing the refugee crisis wherever it occurs. By joining forces, we can collectively strive towards fostering a more secure, inclusive, and compassionate world, he said.