‘Refugees Problem is a Humanitarian Emergency’ – IIMSAM Official Dr. Naseer Homoud

Marking the World Refugee Day, Dr. Naseer Homoud, Goodwill Ambassador and Director of Middle East office for the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), the Intergovernmental Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council said “we stand with refugees because their struggle represents a humanitarian emergency. Furthermore, their fates have broad repercussions for their families, their countrymen, and all people everywhere.” He added “World Refugee Day is a chance to commemorate these humanitarian commitments and it is an opportunity to thank the men and women who have worked to make these commitments possible”.

The Goodwill Ambassador urged all for seeking ways large as well as small for supporting the millions of people around the world who hold the same dreams as other people living in normalcy. He urged for solidarity for the affected people whose strength and courage are unquestionable yet, they have been dislocated by crisis which is beyond their control. “I hope we can use this day to honor the courage of the millions of refugees around the world who push forward each and every day with the hope that tomorrow might bring a return to home or the hope of a better life”, he said.

Speaking on the occasion Dr. Homoud said “the stories of refugees and the issues they deal with day-to-day must be told, so that other people can help provide life-changing humanitarian support to refugees and other displaced people who have forcibly left their homes due to conflict, disaster or persecution. They are mothers, young children, and teenagers – real people facing very difficult circumstances”. He maintained that World Refugee Day is an occasion to turn our thoughts to the millions of people around the world who have no choice but to leave their homes because of persecution and conflict. “The segment of world community which is committed to carry forward the long tradition of humanitarianism and its international commitment to protecting the weak and vulnerable must be appreciated from all corners”, he added.

Dr. Homoud asserted that Refugees are among the most vulnerable in the world and, as such, need our help. He maintained that they did not choose such a life rather it is being imposed on them either directly or by prevailing circumstances. Their dream is to return to their homes and be able to live and work in peace and security. “Unfortunately, with the continuous escalation of conflicts, and the increase of natural disasters due to climate change, this dream may prove difficult to fulfill. The World Refugee Day is a good occasion to transmit a clear message: the world does not forget you. We will continue to stand ready to provide the bare necessities to lead you to a decent life, building up the feeling that you are not alone and the warmth of home is closer”, said Dr. Homoud.

He expressed his displeasure on growing unwarranted practices of detention of refugees in some part of world. Speaking further he said “people seeking protection around the world are increasingly being detained, denied basic rights and further traumatized. In some places, they are punished with caning. Others have been denied the right to seek asylum and have been deported putting their lives at great risk, it is high that governments across the globe must stop the practice of detaining refugees in prisons cells, immigration detention centers, closed camps and other places of detention”.

Maintaining that accomplishment of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals also depends on welfare of this section of world community Dr. Homoud said “governments must focus on ensuring that their respective national plans to achieve MDGs should also include refugees and internally displaced persons as it is very vital for attaining the targets of MDGs; world community has to guarantee that plight of refuges are considered with due respect and they should also be beneficiary of plans set for achieving MDGs”.