The Africa union through its Chairperson of the commission has showed solidarity with the refugees all over the world in commemoration of the world refugee day.
The chairperson of the commission Mahamat said noting that he was also a refugee at one time; “Nobody chooses to be a refugee. I know I was a refuge for 8 years of my life. Ask anybody who has had to be in that positions listen to and act with and for refugees.” He said.
The World Health Organization has added its voce in commemoration of the day also noting the fact that racism has eaten up the western world and should be faced;
“The Covid 19 pandemic and the recent anti racism protests have shown us how desperately we need to fight more inclusive and equal world” “This year we aim to remind the whole world that everyone including refugee can contribute to society and every action counts in the effort to create a more just and inclusive and equal world.” said the organization its official website.
The organization has noted that the laws governing refugees should be respected and recognized in every country.
Countries like France, Italy and United State of America, Germany have recorded poor treatment of refugees lately.
Many European countries have turned away refugees with President Donald Trump calling the countries refugees come from as ‘shithole’ countries.
The president was also recorded at one time saying “tell them to go back to their shithole countries.” referring to the immigrants and refugees. He later denied saying such.
Many refugees have intensified movements over the world due to worsening situations in their countries caused by majorly wars and famine
“The 1951 refugee convention and its 1967 protocol relating to the status of refugees by the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees on refugees help protect them; they are the most important legal instruments explicitly covering the most important aspects of the refugees’ life.”UN through UNHCR said.
Below are a summary of rights of refugees under the 1951 convention that provides for the minimum standards of living for refugees in host countries.
- Right not to be expelled from host country
- Right not to be punished for illegal entry
- Right to work
- Right to housing
- Right to education
- Right to public relief and sustenance
- Right to access to courts
- Right to freedom of religion
- Right to freedom of movement right to be issued travel documents and identity.
According to the UNHCR Uganda has been recognized as the country having the most number of refugees in Africa with over 2 million refugees.
This has been caused by the wars in both east and central Africa and at the horn of Africa in Somalia.
Meanwhile Kenya has been elected on the 18th of June as non permanent member of the UN Security Council the supreme body of the United Nations in charge of all humanitarian management.
