So often the world sits idly by, watching ethnic conflicts flare up, as if these were mere entertainment rather than human beings whose lives are being destroyed. Shouldn't the existence of even one single refugee be a cause for alarm throughout the world?
-- Urkhan Alakbarov

* "I urge you to celebrate the extraordinary courage and contributions of refugees past and present." - Kofi Annan, UN Secretary-General

The challenge of ending displacement is inseparable from the challenge of establishing and maintaining peace. When wars end, farmers return to their fields; children return to school; violence against women declines; trade and economic activity resume; medical and other services become more accessible, and the international focus changes from relief to development and self-sufficiency. All this makes new wars less likely. It is a virtuous cycle that deserves nurture and support.
-- Kenneth H. Bacon

* "Displaced societies are of value. Their issues are our issues." -- Cynthia Basinet

* "At (UNHCR's) headquarters, I met extraordinary people, men and women, especially from the emergency team, who shared with me their passion, their dedication and their commitment to this organisation and refugees. They told me about the daily difficulties they have to face and also the joy they felt when they managed to save a person whose life was threatened." - Julien Clerc * "Despite very harsh living conditions and the trauma of what they went through, they [Sudanese refugees] had a lot of dignity" - Julien Clerc

"Environmental degradation, overpopulation, refugees, narcotics, terrorism, world crime movements, and organized crime are worldwide problems that don't stop at a nation's borders."
-- Warren Christopher

* While every refugee's story is different and their anguish personal, they all share a common thread of uncommon courage – the courage not only to survive, but to persevere and rebuild their shattered lives. ~ Antonio Guterres, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees * "...in the midst of migrants in search of a better life there are people in need of protection: refugees and asylum-seekers, women and children victims of trafficking...Many move simply to avoid dying of hunger. When leaving is not an option but a necessity, this is more than poverty." ~ Antonio Guterres

"When food becomes scarce, refugees often turn to desperate measures to feed themselves and their families. We are particularly worried about the health of the refugee population, domestic violence and refugees resorting to illegal employment or even to prostitution, just to put enough food on the table."
~ Antonio Guterres, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees

Thus, on this World Refugee Day, let us take time to recognize and draw inspiration from these ordinary people who have shown such extraordinary courage – the world's millions of refugees and displaced.~ Antonio Guterres, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees

There are many challenges facing the international community today but few, in my mind, are more pressing than those of finding humanitarian solutions to refugee problems. We talk of regional conflicts, of economic and social crises, of political instability, of abuses of human rights, of racism, religious intolerance, inequalities between rich and poor, hunger, over-population, under-development and. I could go on and on. Each and every one of these impediments to humanity’s pursuit of well-being are also among the root causes of refugee problems.
-- Poul Hartling, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, 1978-1985

* A lasting solution, the possibility to begin a new life, is the only dignified solution for the refugee himself. -- Poul Hartling, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, 1978-1985

* “They are safe but they are not in their homes. They are city-less. I think it's just a disaster for everyone." -- Teri Hatcher

Quotes on Refugees Page 1 | Page 2

Quotes by Refugees Page 3 | Page 4

 

Refugee Day - June 20

PRINT OUT SET OF REFUGEE QUOTES HANDOUTS

 

Portraits for illustration purposes - no endorsement implied.