Solidarity with Refugees: A Call to Action on World Refugee Day

Solidarity with Refugees: A Call to Action on World Refugee Day

On June 20, World Refugee Day, we are reminded that flight and displacement are still a sad reality for millions of people today. The author of a recent article reflects on his family's personal experiences during the Second World War and asks what has changed since then. He remembers that his father was 12 years old when he had to flee Upper Silesia with his family in February 1945. At this point, the father's older brother was already separated from the family as an anti-aircraft helper. These memories became an awakening experience for the author, who recently visited his father and learned that it had been exactly 80 years since the family had to leave their homeland because the war forced them to give up everything.

The issues of flight and migration have not lost any of their urgency since then. In 2015, many people from Syria sought refuge in Germany to escape the brutal Assad regime. Particularly touching was the story of the author's aunt, Inge, who developed a special bond with the refugees who came to her for help in the garden and spent time with her. The vaporous lessons from these confrontations are deep and important, yet 122 million people remain displaced, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, 41 percent of whom are children. It is a call for our compassion and solidarity.

Worldwide causes of flight

But what are the main reasons that drive people to flee? According to Welthungerhilfe, it is often poverty, hunger, war and the effects of climate change. This organization has years of experience supporting refugees and advocates for political changes in German and European refugee and migration policy. Their work aims not only to provide humanitarian aid, but also to combat the causes of flight in the long term and to create prospects for refugees. Most refugees find refuge in countries neighboring their countries of origin or even stay in their own country, as the number of international asylum seekers is often high compared to those displaced.

In 2024, the most important countries of origin for refugees were Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine. The conflict in Sudan is causing the largest displacement crisis, according to UNICEF. More than 14 million people fled Sudan, followed by 13.5 million from Syria and 10.3 million from Afghanistan. These refugees often seek protection in neighboring countries, such as Turkey, Lebanon or Iran, where they encounter further challenges.

Show solidarity!

The responsibility is huge and the challenges remain. In order to help these people, innovative approaches to aid work are required that go beyond providing food and shelter. In addition to basic needs, they also need psychosocial support, access to education and legal advice. Welthungerhilfe emphasizes that conditions must be created for sustainable development, based on the 2030 Agenda. The goal should be to promote crisis and conflict prevention and to establish fair trade relationships as well as fair financial and environmental policies.

The stories and experiences of refugees show us how important it is to provide support and act in solidarity. Especially on today's World Refugee Day, we should be aware of our responsibility and do everything we can to lend a hand to the people who suffer from terrible circumstances. It is up to us to raise our voices for those who have no voice and to design our neighborhood for all people with joy and compassion.

For more information, see the articles from Catholic.de, UNICEF and Welthungerhilfe.