Finding Hope and Home: Reflections on World Refugee Day 2024
Trinh Tu, Managing Director of Public Affairs, reflects on her experience as a refugee this World Refugee Day.
This year, World Refugee Day calls for global solidarity with refugees, a world where they are welcomed, not feared. As a refugee myself, this message resonates deeply. Fleeing the threat of persecution, my family found compassion in the UK. We were given the chance to rebuild our lives, and I was able to fully integrate into British society. Today, I strive to give back and make a positive impact, showing how welcoming others can change lives.
Yet, the world faces a stark reality. The number of forcibly displaced people has reached a historic new record of more than 120 million, with 43.3 million classified as refugees, according to UNHCR’s latest Global Trends report. And it is often the poorest nations that bear the brunt of this crisis, hosting 75% of the world's refugees. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for a "fair share" approach to refugee resettlement. Wealthier nations must do more to share the responsibility, providing safe haven and support for those fleeing persecution. The current imbalance, where the poorest countries shoulder the heaviest burden, is simply unsustainable.
This year's Ipsos and UNHCR global survey for World Refugee Day, covering over 33,000 adults across 52 countries, paints a complex picture of public attitudes. While public compassion towards refugees remains strong, with 73% globally believe in offering refuge to those fleeing war and persecution, a concerning 44% believe their country should close its borders entirely. This sentiment is fuelled by scepticism about refugees' motives, with 61% believing they are primarily seeking economic gain. Concerns about integration and refugees' contributions to host countries are also prevalent.
These anxieties are understandable, particularly in a climate where immigration is a highly politicised issue worldwide. However, fear and division cannot be the answer. World Refugee Day reminds us that solidarity is not just a moral imperative, but a practical necessity.
And this solidarity with refugees is apparent in many of the African nations surveyed. These countries, despite facing their own economic challenges and hosting a significant proportion of the world's refugees, demonstrate remarkably positive attitudes toward those seeking refuge. Their compassion and willingness to share limited resources stand as a beacon of hope, a powerful example for wealthier nations to follow.
So, what can we do?
- The data highlights the urgent need to address public anxieties in many nations. We must ensure equitable distribution of resources and support for both refugees and host communities. Transparency in aid allocation and its impact is crucial to building trust.
- Furthermore, we need to actively promote successful integration and highlight the positive contributions of refugees. Targeted policies and programs that support access to education, healthcare, and employment are essential, while simultaneously addressing the needs and concerns of host communities. Organisations like Breaking Barriers, which I am proud to support, are doing vital work in this area. By partnering with businesses like Ipsos, they are helping refugees gain the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in their new communities and contribute to their success. Businesses can play a transformative role, and Ipsos has demonstrated this commitment by pledging to recruit 100 refugees across our global offices by 2026.
- Finally, responsible reporting in both traditional and social media is crucial. The survey reveals a significant trust gap in information sources, with traditional media and social media often failing to inspire confidence. Giving greater prominence to trusted voices, such as individuals with personal experiences with refugees and community leaders, can also help shape a more accurate and empathetic public perception.
World Refugee Day is a call to action. It is a reminder that behind the statistics are real people, each with their own story of resilience and hope. By choosing solidarity, we can create a world where refugees are not seen as a burden, but as individuals with the potential to enrich our societies. My own story is a testament to this potential, and I believe that with compassion and understanding, we can build a future where every refugee finds a place to call home.
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