No one leaves their homeland willingly when it is safe. Forced displacement is one of the greatest human tragedies of our time. On World Refugee Day, we are not speaking merely about numbers and statistics recorded in international reports; we are speaking about millions of people whose lives have been uprooted, families who have lost their homes, memories, and sense of security, and who have been forced to search for safety in a world increasingly marked by crises and conflicts.
The continuation of wars, armed conflicts, and political instability across various regions of the world is driving humanity toward an escalating humanitarian crisis. The number of refugees, internally displaced persons, and stateless individuals continues to rise at an unprecedented rate. Behind every statistic lies a human story, behind every refugee a lost homeland, a denied right, and a dream of returning to live in dignity and security.
Refugees are not merely numbers in international records. They are doctors, teachers, engineers, workers, children, mothers, and fathers who suddenly found themselves victims of war, violence, and persecution. They are human beings who deserve protection, respect, and the opportunity to live in dignity, free from fear, hunger, and displacement.
Guided by its humanitarian principles and its mission to defend human rights and fundamental freedoms, International Congress SHIELD affirms that protecting refugees, safeguarding their dignity, and ensuring legal and humanitarian protection are not acts of charity or political choices. They are legal and moral obligations established by international conventions and international humanitarian law.
The organization further emphasizes that humanitarian assistance, while essential, is not sufficient on its own. The real solution to the refugee crisis begins with ending wars and armed conflicts, promoting dialogue and peace, and holding accountable those responsible for crimes and violations that force people into displacement and exile.
International Congress SHIELD strongly condemns all forms of racism, discrimination, and incitement against refugees and migrants. It calls for guaranteeing their fundamental rights to education, healthcare, employment, and a dignified life in accordance with international human rights standards.
The organisation also affirms that the Palestinian refugee issue remains one of the oldest and most significant refugee crises in modern history. The legitimate rights of Palestinian refugees, foremost among them the right of return in accordance with relevant international resolutions, must remain present in the conscience of the international community. Furthermore, the organization calls for improving the humanitarian and living conditions of Palestinian refugees in diaspora communities, particularly in refugee camps and gatherings in Syria, Lebanon, and elsewhere, while ensuring their fundamental human rights and their ability to live in dignity and security.
Today, the world faces a true test of its humanity. Protecting refugees is not solely the responsibility of host countries; it is a shared responsibility that rests upon the international community as a whole. Remaining silent in the face of the suffering of millions, or reducing refugee issues to mere statistics, represents a failure to uphold the human values upon which international conventions were founded.
International Congress SHIELD renews its unwavering commitment to defending human rights and the rights of refugees and displaced persons worldwide. The organisation will continue working to amplify its voices in international forums and to support efforts aimed at building a more just, secure, and peaceful world.
A person’s homeland is where they feel safe, and the protection of refugees remains the true measure of the international community’s commitment to justice and humanity.
Issued by:
Media and International Relations Department
International Congress SHIELD