Let's provide hope for those away from home

World Refugee Day 2023, which falls today, focuses on durable solutions for refugees, such as resettlement and repatriation, as well as the power of inclusion.

The two main objectives this year, as set by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), are:

To show how and why the world can do more to include refugees, generating hope and action, AND
To communicate the need for solutions and the power of inclusion, paving the way to the Global Refugee Forum.

There are three key factors that give refugees hope - access, solidarity and solutions.

Access means including refugees in our communities, ensuring they can apply for jobs, enroll in schools and access services like housing, health care and sport. Refugees need the chance to learn and progress at school, earn a living and live a healthy life.

As for solidarity, we as humans benefit from connecting with each other and having a sense of belonging. For refugees far from home, feeling welcomed sows hope. Host communities can open their doors and their hearts to refugees to make them feel valued.

The world is short on long-term solutions for refugees, leaving millions living in limbo. Refugees need peace to be able to return home, more chances to resettle in a new country, or opportunities to thrive in the communities where they have found refuge.

The simple act of including refugees in our daily lives goes a long way. Let's provide hope for those staying away from home.