World Refugee Day 2013

MANILA, Philippines --- World Refugee Day, June 20, UNHCR commemorates the strength and resilience of the more than 45 million people around the world forced to flee their homes due to war or persecution. Multiple refugee emergencies have forced record numbers of people to flee – yet the vast majority of media coverage given over to the conflicts in Syria, Mali, South Sudan and DRC, rarely focuses on the human cost of war. The “1 family” campaign aims to remind the world that the victims of war are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters and that even 1 family torn apart by war is too many.

The Philippine commemoration aims to raise awareness on the hardships faced by displaced families forced to flee their homes in Mindanao due to conflict and recent disasters that have struck the region. Over the past 4 decades, hundreds of thousands of people in Mindanao have been forced to flee their homes on multiple occasions due to armed clashes between insurgent groups and the government. The number of those displaced over the years is unknown but over 60,000 persons are displaced in Mindanao to date most of whom are women and children.

Being forcibly displaced is a clear violation of the basic human right to live in a safe environment. Often, the most vulnerable are women, children, and the elderly who have no choice but to relocate in evacuation centers, improvised shelters, or their relatives until it is safe to return home, which can take years.

UNHCR ensures that families and communities forcibly displaced or at the risk of displacement are able to access basic essential services so they can better cope with their situation.