People in Malta show their solidarity through letters of support to refugees.
“We should feel a sense of empathy towards refugees and their stories… Different experiences which make up each and every one of us!” Michael, Café owner, Marsaskala.
© UNHCR/Joanna Demarco
World Refugee Day is when we honour the strength of women, men and children who are forced to flee their homeland under threat of persecution, conflict and violence.
At the end of 2019, a staggering 79.5 million people were displaced, meaning that forced displacement now affects over one percent of humanity. That is 1 in every 97 people. About 30-40 million refugees are children.
Like everyone else, refugees aspire to safety, to making a living, provide for themselves and their families, and contribute positively to our society. This comes with many challenges, especially since many refugees are not always made to feel very welcome in their new country.
In the midst of these difficult times, where the whole world is feeling a sense of uncertainty due to the global pandemic, and people are standing up against inequality, let’s take this opportunity to share a message of welcome, solidarity and support to the refugees in our community.
UNHCR asked a few people to share a photo of themselves, and to write a letter by hand sharing their support and welcome for refugees.
This resulted in a collection of heartwarming messages, that we are sharing here with you today.
If you want to join their voices, and show your support for refugees in our community, we invite you to share your own message.
Simply upload a message, add a photo if you like, and use the main hashtags #WorldRefugeeDay #WithRefugees.
Everyone can make a difference. Every action counts.
“Diversity doesn’t hinder society but strengthens it!” Reb, Trainee Counsellor, Xaghra. © UNHCR/Joanna Demarco
“You jumped into an unreliable net. I admire your courage. This world is ours, let’s change it TOGETHER.” Noemi, Barista, Zejtun. © UNHCR/Joanna Demarco
“Nixtiequ li n-nies ta’ madwarna japrezzawkom ta’ dak li vera intom, ineħħu il-biża’ u jsiru jafukom. Aħna kollha l-istess. Kuraġġ!” Noemi, Barista, Zejtun Eleanor, Bar Owner, Mellieha. © UNHCR/Joanna Demarco
“I welcome you all as my brothers and sisters. We are all human.” Madeline, Artist, Valletta. © UNHCR/Joanna Demarco
“We should feel a sense of empathy towards refugees and their stories… Different experiences which make up each and every one of us!” Michael, Café owner, Marsaskala.
“Id-diversita’ hija normalita tal-ilum il-Ġurnata.” Steve, Soft-Skill Trainer, Birkirkara. © UNHCR/Joanna Demarco
“Loud and hateful voices are not defining of our community.” Seyma, English Teacher, Valletta Imanuel, Archaelogy Student, Valletta. © UNHCR/Joanna Demarco
“Fundamentally we are all human + we all deserve to be treated equally + fairly.” Sophie, Psychotherapist, Għargħur. © UNHCR/Joanna Demarco
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
