The United Nations commemorates World Refugee Day in southern Belize

Designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe, World Refugee Day celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution.  This year, World Refugee Day focuses on solidarity with refugees - for a world where refugees are welcomed. 

Globally, more than 120 million people are forcibly displaced, including 43.5 million refugees. UN Resident Coordinator, Raul Salazar, reiterated the UN Secretary General's message that "World Refugee Day is about honouring their strength and courage and stepping up efforts to protect and support refugees on every step of their journey." It is about assisting and welcoming refugees, upholding their human rights including the right to seek asylum, safeguarding the integrity of the refugee protection regime, and ultimately resolving conflicts to allow a return home.

Belize is home to over 4,000 refugees and asylum seekers seeking safe haven and protection, mostly from El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

"Celebrating this day helps us to focus on how far we have come and share our stories with the world,” shared Jonathan, a Honduran refugee who has been living in Belize with his family for 11 years. “Today made me forget the struggles my family and I have faced, and I felt very happy to be part of something so big. I invite everyone to learn more about refugees, especially at a time when more people are being forced to flee their homes all over the world.”

UNHCR has supported refugees and asylum-seekers in Belize since it first opened its doors in Belmopan in 1987.

"Everyone has the right to seek asylum and safety. This World Refugee Day, I invite you to stand in solidarity with refugees, whether through joining them in a game of football or advocating for their inclusion,” said Myrat Myradov, UNHCR Head of Office. “Refugees have so much that they wish to contribute to Belize, and we acknowledge the generosity of host communities for welcoming them.”

UNHCR acknowledges the United Nations’ commitment to including refugees in all UN activities, including the UN Common Pledge 2.0. This pledge aims to enhance refugee inclusion in national plans, budgets, datasets, and service delivery systems, ensuring no one is left behind as we accelerate efforts under the Sustainable Development Goals.

For more information on this topic, please contact:

Aida Escobar
Senior Public Information Assistant
escobar@unhcr.org  

Mirsy Ponce
Executive Associate
mirsy.ponce@un.org