Theme
The theme for World Refugee Day 2024 is “Solidarity with refugees – Focusing on what unites us.” The theme of solidarity underscores the importance of integrating refugees into their new communities to ensure they can access jobs, education, housing, and healthcare. This inclusion is crucial for providing long-term solutions for refugees and enabling them to thrive, “whether they remain in their host country or eventually return home” (UNHCR) Additionally, Refugee Week 2024, which runs from June 17 to 23, focuses on the theme “Our Home.” This theme invites people to celebrate the concept of home in various forms, from physical spaces to shared experiences and cultural expressions. It also emphasizes the importance of making communities more welcoming and inclusive, recognizing that home can be found in people, communities, and acts of kindness. Both themes highlight the ongoing efforts to support and integrate refugees, fostering environments where they can find safety, dignity, and opportunities for a better future.
IDRC Research Chairs Network
The IDRC Research Chairs Network on Forced Displacement is actively engaged with Refugee Week activities in communities from Peru to Thailand. We are a community of twelve scholars based at universities in countries experiencing mass displacement. Together, we are reframing the narrative of forced displacement and transforming the field of forced migration studies to mainstream Global South perspectives, using evidence-based research and analysis. By centering the needs, demands, voices and values of displaced persons and their communities in a climate of mutual cooperation and understanding between all stakeholders, we seek a paradigmatic shift in global policy discourse and practice.
Statement for World Refugee Day 2024
On this World Refugee Day, we stand in solidarity with millions of refugees around the globe who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, and disasters. We honour their resilience, courage, and determination to rebuild their lives despite the tremendous challenges they face.
In 2024, the plight of refugees remains a pressing global issue. From Gaza to Syria, Afghanistan to Myanmar and Venezuela to South Sudan, countless individuals and families continue to seek safety and an opportunity for a secure future. Their plight reinforces the urgent need for international solidarity and action.
Gaza: A Life Under Siege
In Gaza, continuous conflict and blockades have created a dire humanitarian crisis. Thousands of families live in overcrowded conditions with limited access to essential services such as healthcare, clean water, and education. The ongoing violence has left many without homes, and the psychological trauma is immense, especially among children. Efforts by international organizations to provide aid are crucial, but a long-term solution requires concerted diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.
Syria: A Decade of Displacement
Syria has entered its thirteenth year of conflict, resulting in one of the largest refugee crises in recent history. Over 6.6 million Syrians are displaced within the country, and more than 5.5
million have sought refuge in neighbouring states such as Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan. The protracted nature of the crisis means that many Syrian refugees have been living in limbo for years, struggling to access employment, education, and healthcare. International support for host countries and sustainable solutions for refugees are more critical than ever.
Afghanistan: Seeking Safe Haven
In Afghanistan, the resurgence of conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of people. Many have fled to neighbouring states like Pakistan and Iran, while others have sought asylum further afield. The situation is exacerbated by economic instability and the recent severe natural disasters. Afghan refugees often face discrimination and limited opportunities in host countries, underscoring the need for comprehensive support and integration programs.
Myanmar: Quest for Refugee Status
Myanmar has witnessed a significant displacement crisis, with hundreds of thousands forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, and severe human rights abuses. The Rohingya population, in particular, has endured systematic violence and discrimination, leading to a mass exodus to neighbouring countries. These individuals have been subjected to atrocities that violate basic human rights, including forced displacement, loss of nationality, and horrific acts of violence. Referring to those displaced from Myanmar simply as “economic migrants” undermines their legitimate claims for protection and diminishes our responsibility to provide asylum in accordance with international standards. As we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Cartagena Declaration, it is imperative to recognize that the situation in Myanmar meets the criteria for refugee status within the ambit of regional and international definitions.
Venezuela: Fleeing Persecution
The exodus of over 7 million Venezuelans aligns with three of the five criteria from the Cartagena Declaration of 1984, which marks its 40th anniversary this year: 1) widespread human rights violations, 2) pervasive violence, and 3) conditions that significantly disrupt public order. In Venezuela’s situation, there is particular concern regarding the ongoing violations of civil and political rights. The UNHCR’s label of “Venezuelans displaced abroad” has had negative implications for this group. It made Latin American governments feel less pressured to meet regional and international protection standards. It led to Venezuelans being treated more like “economic migrants” and policies being formulated based on this notion.It is therefore necessary to provide them with sustainable legal status, access to public and financial services, and the ability to practice their professions formally.
South Sudan: Fleeing Violence and Hunger
South Sudan’s ongoing conflict and food insecurity have forced millions to flee their homes. Many have sought refuge in Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia, wherein they contend with significant challenges including inadequate shelter, food shortages, and limited access to medical care. The resilience of South Sudanese refugees, who continue to strive for a better future despite immense adversity, is a testament to the human spirit’s strength.
Call to Action
On this World Refugee Day, we urge the international community to:
1. Strengthen Protection: Ensure that refugees’ rights are respected and protected, and that they have access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education.
2. Increase Support for Host Countries: Provide financial and logistical support to countries hosting large numbers of refugees to help them manage the increased demand on their resources.
3. Promote Durable Solutions: Invest in long-term solutions, including safe and voluntary return, local integration, and resettlement to third countries.
4. Address Root Causes: Work towards resolving the underlying causes of displacement, including conflict resolution, poverty alleviation, and climate change mitigation.
Behind every statistic is a human being with hopes, dreams, and the potential to contribute to society. The Refugee Day Statement reiterates the need to invest in a more egalitarian, empathetic, and inclusive world.
About the IDRC Research Chairs Network
The IDRC Research Chairs Network on Forced Displacement supports the individual and collective activities of the IDRC Research Chairs, amplifying their work at the regional and global level, supporting collaborative and comparative research projects, and creating an inclusive and supportive research environment that is greater than the sum of its parts. The Network is supported by Carleton University and LERRN.
With most of the world’s research on forced displacement produced by institutions in the Global North, the twelve IDRC Research Chairs aim to localize and institutionalize research on forced displacement in the Global South by producing timely and innovative research on forced displacement in the regions and countries most affected by it, where forced migration is a major challenge deeply affecting society at all levels. The Chairs are based in Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Americas.
The Research Chairs produce research on forced migration that is tailored towards policy solutions, using an interdisciplinary, multi-sectoral and gender-transformative approach. The Chairs also mentor and supervise early career scholars, collaborate with impacted communities and refugee-led initiatives, support localized agenda-setting, amplify refugee voices, and advocate with policy stakeholders, ensuring a strong link between research and policy. To learn more about the work of the IDRC Research Chairs, visit: https://carleton.ca/fd-chairs-net/