Abuja: World Refugee Day, celebrated every June 20, is dedicated to refugees around the world. The day was first observed globally in 2001 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1951 UN Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. Originally known as Africa Refugee Day, it was designated as an international day by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2000.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this year’s commemoration marks another solemn yet vital observance of World Refugee Day. The day is dedicated to honoring the strength, courage, and resilience of millions forced to flee their homes. Under the theme ‘Solidarity with Refugees,’ the global community is focusing on a fundamental human right often denied in times of displacement: access to comprehensive healthcare.
Stakeholders emphasize that access to healthcare for refugees is a call to action, urging nations to stand in unwavering solidarity with those seeking safety, ensuring that health is not a privilege but a universal entitlement. They warn that the global landscape of forced displacement continues to present unprecedented challenges.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) noted that although modest progress has been made, increased conflicts and disasters in many parts of the world remain a challenge. As protracted displacement rises, many fleeing conflict and disasters are spending over a decade awaiting legal recognition. More than 70 percent are hosted in low- and middle-income countries, often in urban areas, where legal, financial, and structural barriers hinder access to health.
Women and children bear the brunt of displacement, with over 47 million children facing disrupted access to health, education, and protection. Women and newborns’ lives are at heightened risk with disrupted maternal and essential care as barriers to access increase. Notably, refugees are not only recipients of care but are also scientists, health workers, and leaders who enrich the social and economic fabric of both host and origin countries.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) stated that ‘Health for All’ for refugees means more than just treating illnesses; it encompasses a holistic approach to well-being. It means ensuring access to primary healthcare services, including vaccinations, maternal and child health, and essential medicines. It also demands robust mental health and psychosocial support to address the profound trauma of displacement, loss, and uncertainty.
Solidarity is seen as the bedrock upon which ‘Health for All’ can be built, signifying a collective responsibility that extends beyond borders and political divides. Solidarity means honoring refugees not just with words but with actions, standing up for their right to seek safety and for solutions to their plight. Refugees are not looking for charity; they seek opportunity and self-advancement, and when given the chance, they become integral, valuable, and productive members of the communities that welcome them.
In Nigeria, efforts have been made to assist refugees through collaborations between the government, UNHCR, and various NGOs. These collaborations have led to the establishment of temporary health posts, conducting vaccination campaigns, and distributing essential medicines. The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) recently relocated 40 families to a newly constructed resettlement city in Keffi as part of an ongoing initiative aimed at transitioning IDPs and refugees from temporary camps to a more permanent and secure environment.
As UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres stated, ‘Refugees are not numbers; they are people who have faces, names, and stories.’ Stakeholders emphasize that refugees deserve solidarity from all, highlighting the importance of international support, strategic funding, and innovative solutions to reach every displaced individual with the care they need.
