On the occasion of World Refugee Day, the UN recalls that "every minute 20 people leave everything behind to escape war, persecution or terror" and underlines that "refugees are among the most vulnerable people in the world".

UN Women stresses that "improving the mental well-being of refugees is crucial to helping them work towards a better future". The World Health Organization also pleads for health inclusion and solutions for refugees and host communities: "Refugees may have diverse health needs which must be met by giving them full access to critical services including mental health, maternal and child health, immunization, sexual and reproductive health, management for chronic diseases and disabilities. Enabling refugees to have full access to health care does not stop at granting formal entitlements but requires inclusive and non-discriminatory health services that are culturally sensitive."

The EU Commission states that "today, more than 110 million people are forcibly displaced around the world" and reiterates its commitment "to step up efforts to ensure that the EU remains a place where refugees find protection and safety". The EU welcomes the upcoming Global Refugee Forum in December 2023 as an important opportunity to better share global responsibility.

In Belgium, various actors also draw attention to the millions of people around the world who are fleeing conflict or persecution. Fedasil, the Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers, stresses that integration and inclusion are key to building a hopeful future for refugees. Fedasil calls on governments, organizations and communities to work together and create an environment in which refugees can use their skills and talents so that they can contribute to the societies that host them. Some inspiring video portraits of residents of reception centers who, while waiting for a decision on their asylum application, commit themselves to different initiatives in the neighborhood, are also available here.

Photo: Zachtleven from Pixabay.