Ayat El Dewary
World Refugee Day this year is being marked for the second time, in a world and reality shifted by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. A pandemic which has affected everyone globally, but more so the lives of refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced and stateless people and has added another layer of danger, fear and vulnerability to their daily challenges.
While we all try to adapt to the new normal and find ways to cope with this new reality, displaced populations face mounting challenges in an attempt to find peace and security for their loved ones, with pathways to safety becoming less available. Even before the compounding effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, refugees and displaced populations were amongst the most marginalized and vulnerable members of society, who also faced additional health risks during the pandemic due to limited access to clean and reliable sources of water, sanitation systems and health facilities.
This week, and in commemoration of World Refugee Day, UNHCR published its Annual Global Trends Report, stating that by the end of 2020, 82.4 million people have been identified as forcibly displaced globally, as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order. That’s 1 in 95 people in comparison to 1 in 159 in 2010. There are now twice as many forcibly displaced people than in 2011 when the total was just under 40 million. These are alarming figures which reflect a decade-long trend of surging displacement driven by violence and persecution. 86% of the world’s refugees are hosted by countries neighboring crisis areas, as well as, low- and middle- income countries which are already facing many economic strains and challenges across the board, in addition to overcrowded healthcare systems trying to cope with COVID-19.
Furthermore, UNHCR estimates that between 2018 and 2020 about one million children were born as refugees. Many of whom may remain refugees for years to come, some potentially for the rest of their lives.
These numbers are overwhelming, as are the wars, conflict and persecution that plague our world and force people from their homes. But we must not look away- we must stand together with refugees. During the past year and half, while we felt collective fear and uncertainty, we also saw a global rise in empathy, especially with refugees and displaced people who have been facing these challenges on a daily basis for years on end. The pandemic has also taught us that we are stronger when we stand together.
Throughout the years, it has been due to the generous support of partners and supporters that we have been able to provide lifesaving assistance to displaced populations around the world, and this past year has seen growing outpouring of kindness and generosity towards this cause, for which we are very grateful.
Our partnership with the State of Qatar has spanned for well over a decade. I take this opportunity to extend our sincere appreciation and thanks to the Government of the State of Qatar, its entities, the private sector, and the Qatari people for their remarkable generosity and support in providing over the years healthcare services, education, shelter, and livelihood amongst other life-saving services and needs to our persons of concern. Total contributions from Qatar amount to over USD 333 million. These substantial contributions have provided support to more than 6.6 million forcibly displaced and vulnerable individuals across Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Somalia, Jordan, Chad, amongst others. Our partners provide a lifeline for those displaced and hope for a better future.
On this World Refugee Day, we reiterate the importance of the inclusion of refugees across the board through supporting them and including them in response plans, whether it is in education, healthcare, livelihoods, and more, helping create positive ripple effects across many levels.
On June 20 of every year, we remember refugees who despite the challenges they face on a daily basis, remain strong and hopeful, teaching us resilience and life. Given the chance, they will continue to contribute to a stronger, safer and more vibrant world, and only together will we heal, learn and shine.
Ayat El Dewary is the UNHCR Representative In Qatar
