THE SECRETARY-GENERAL --MESSAGE ON WORLD REFUGEE DAY 2024

20 June 2024

From Sudan to Ukraine, from the Middle East to Myanmar to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and beyond, conflict, climate chaos and upheaval are forcing record numbers of people from their homes and fueling profound human suffering.  

The latest figures show that a total of more than 120 million people around the world are forcibly displaced, including 43.5 million refugees. 

World Refugee Day is about honouring their strength and courage – and stepping up efforts to protect and support refugees on every step of their journey.

Refugees need global solidarity and the ability to rebuild their lives in dignity.

When given the opportunity, refugees make significant contributions to their host communities, but they need access to equal opportunities and to jobs, housing, and healthcare. 

Young refugees need quality education to achieve their dreams. 

And generous host countries, mostly low- or middle-income countries, need the support and resources to fully include refugees in societies and economies.

Let us pledge to reaffirm the world’s collective responsibility in assisting and welcoming refugees … in upholding their human rights including the right to seek asylum … in safeguarding the integrity of the refugee protection regime … and ultimately, in resolving conflicts so that those forced from their communities can return home.