A person is considered a refugee under the 1951 Refugee Convention if they have fled their place of origin due to well-founded fear of persecution based on their ethnicity, political beliefs, religion, or other characteristics. This definition also extends to individuals who have been displaced by man-made or natural disasters.
World Refugee Day is observed on June 20th of each year as a way to honor the bravery and tenacity of the millions of refugees who have been forced to flee their homes because of war, persecution, or natural catastrophes.
The theme “Hope Away from Home” is particularly relevant in 2024 as it highlights the resilience refugees demonstrate despite being far from their original homes. It underscores the importance of instilling hope in refugees, even when they are displaced from their home countries. Hope is a powerful force that fosters perseverance and drives constructive change.
At KRC-Uganda, we firmly believe that through our protection interventions, we have and continue to make a significant difference in assisting refugees overcome the traumas of displacement and help them thrive in their new communities by fostering conditions in which their rights are respected and they feel appreciated, supported, and hopeful.
In an effort to make this year’s World Refugee Day a success, KRC-Uganda has teamed up with the International Refugee Agency—the UNHCR, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and other implementing partners in Bidi Bidi and Rhino Refugee Settlements like World Vision, Plan International, HEKS EPER, ADRA, International Rescue Committee and Windle International among others.
To provide hope and resilience to those displaced from their homes, KRC-Uganda is dedicated to promoting the rights of refugees, especially in terms of access to and utilization of land. We have also created spaces to showcase their stories and struggles to promote understanding and empathy between the host communities and the refugees.
By utilizing its advocacy platforms, KRC-Uganda will galvanize public support for refugees by working with the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), implementing partners, and private citizens to act and provide the necessary resources and opportunities for refugees to live with dignity and hope.
As June 20th draws near, KRC-Uganda implores the government and all implementing partners to show their support for refugees by listening to their stories, meeting their needs, and acknowledging their contributions to host communities. By working together, we can ensure that refugees, even in distant places, can find hope and the possibility of a better future.
By Francis Opio
Peacebuilding Manager, KRC-Uganda
