'Remember the refugees'

On the occasion of World Refugee Day yesterday, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) launched an appeal to remember the millions of refugees and other persons who have been forcibly displaced.

According to UNHCR figures for 2006, the number of persons falling under the mandate of the UN refugee agency has shown the first increase since 2002. Primarily due to the emergency in Iraq, the global number of refugees receiving protection or assistance from UNHCR is now almost 10 million, a 14 per cent increase compared to 2005.

The agency is also involved in ongoing efforts to sustain the fragile lives of over 12.9 million internally displaced persons, persons who have been driven out of their homes by conflict but who have not crossed any internationally recognised borders.

In his message for World Refugee Day, High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres called for the world to remember all these displaced men, women and children, saying that "in an age of increasing globalisation, when more and more people are on the move, refugees are not unique because they are away from home. What sets them apart is that they cannot return there".

As part of its activities to raise awareness and foster solidarity, the Malta UNHCR office yesterday launched the agency's ninemillion.org global campaign. The campaign focuses on the faces, names and stories of the world's forgotten refugee youth. The initiative aims to highlight the plight of some of the most vulnerable people on the planet, young refugees forced to flee their homes to seek safety, protection and the hope of a better future.

"Through the ninemillion.org campaign, UNHCR wants to help refugees reclaim their lost and tattered identities", said Neil Falzon, head of the UNHCR Malta office.

The launch of the ninemillion.org campaign will see local UNHCR officials supporting activities organised by governmental and non-governmental organisations. Close to 100 tailor-made footballs, specifically designed for use in refugee camps, will be distributed to a number of organisations.

The UNHCR will shortly be engaged in a national information initiative aimed at fostering a commitment to understanding refugees and at promoting hope among the refugees themselves.

"Whether in remote camps or in nearby neighbourhoods, there are always ways in which we can help them. It begins by remembering that they did not leave home by choice," Mr Guterres concluded.

Those interested in the ninemillion.org campaign are invited to visit the campaign website, www.ninemillion.org, or to contact the local UNHCR office.