World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day is observed on June 20th each year to raise awareness about the plight of refugees worldwide and to show support for their resilience and determination. While Palestinians, Syrians, and Iraqis are not the only refugees in the world, they have faced significant challenges and displacement for a very long time. This day holds significant importance for the Levant region, which encompasses countries such as Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Palestine. This region has been greatly affected by conflicts, political instability, and displacement, resulting in a large number of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Palestinians have been experiencing displacement and refugee status for several decades now, primarily because of Israeli colonialism, and apartheid practices. Many Palestinians were forced to leave their homes during the 1948 “Nakba”, and their descendants continue to be refugees to this day. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) estimates that there are approximately 5.7 million Palestinian refugees globally.
Since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011, millions of Syrians have been displaced from their homes, both internally and externally. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the number of Syrian refugees surpassed 6.7 million by mid-2021. The neighboring countries, including Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt, have borne a significant burden in hosting Syrian refugees.
Iraq has been the source of significant numbers of refugees, particularly during the Iraq War starting 2003 and the subsequent rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Many Iraqis fled their homes seeking safety within Iraq or in neighboring countries, such as Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, and Egypt. World Refugee Day provides an opportunity to shed light on the challenges faced by Iraqi refugees, raise awareness about their needs, and advocate for their rights and protection.
The countries in the Levant region that have generously hosted large numbers of refugees also face significant challenges. Lebanon, in particular, has a high concentration of refugees relative to its population, putting strain on its resources and infrastructure. World Refugee Day acknowledges the efforts of host communities in providing support to refugees and encourages international solidarity to alleviate the burden and strengthen humanitarian responses.
World Refugee Day in the Levant region is marked by various events, campaigns, and initiatives aimed at raising awareness about refugee issues and advocating for their rights. These activities may include conferences, panel discussions, art exhibitions, cultural events, and community engagement programs. They provide a platform for refugees, activists, organizations, and policymakers to come together, share stories, and discuss strategies to address the challenges faced by refugees in the region.
World Refugee Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by refugees worldwide and encourages collective action to protect their rights, provide humanitarian assistance, and work towards finding durable solutions to their displacement. On World Refugee Day, it is important to recognize the unique circumstances and challenges faced by refugees in the Levant. Supporting initiatives that promote the well-being, protection, and rights of refugees, as well as the resilience of host communities, can contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society in the region.
