Liv Feijen, Head of UNHCR’s Caribbean Unit in Washington, D.C. stressed that World Refugee Day is a day to spotlight the importance of welcoming newcomers into our communities.
“It’s imperative to see refugees as an asset and never a burden, that they bring about hopes, aspirations, experiences, and pieces of their culture with them to their new homes,” she said.
In line with a refugee, whose name has been omitted for cover reasons, it was vital to him to be present on the event and share his story.
“For me house is a spot where you are feeling accepted where you are feeling entitled and where you are feeling loved,” he said.
“I feel like I’m farther away from it due to where I’m, the rationale I feel so is because I’m reminded, due to my accent or how I dress, that I don’t belong. Coming here today was vital because I’m meeting people who find themselves willing to listen.”
While World Refugee Day honors the contributions of the thousands and thousands of individuals all over the world who’ve been forced to flee their homes on account of violence, war, or persecution, it’s also a day to do not forget that we are able to all make a difference by standing with refugees.
