Hope Away from Home, an initiative of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), aims at garnering support and firm commitments from nations to safeguard the rights of individuals fleeing conflict, violence, and persecution. This campaign comes at a time of unparalleled forced displacement across the globe.
Currently, an astounding 110 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes, and their access to asylum and protection is increasingly threatened by harsh policies in various regions.
Elizabeth Tan, Director of UNHCR’s Division of International Protection, emphasized the importance of responding to those fleeing conflict with compassion and kindness rather than erecting barriers, imposing restrictions, or fostering discrimination. She stated that “they need safety and protection,” and it is the responsibility of the international community to work together to find lasting solutions that allow these individuals to live in safety and dignity.
SOLIDARITY
UNHCR highlights that in many places, anti-refugee sentiments, externalization of asylum obligations, discrimination, and xenophobia, along with stricter admission policies, jeopardize the fundamental right to seek safety. Additionally, the absence of safe and legal routes to asylum forces many to embark on perilous journeys in search of safety.
While numerous nations and communities generously welcome and protect refugees, UNHCR emphasizes the importance of more states following suit and standing in solidarity, especially with low and middle-income countries that bear the brunt of the refugee crisis.
ACTIONS
The Hope Away from Home campaign aims to turn global solidarity into tangible actions and solutions. It will promote international cooperation, advocate for legal reforms, and push for policy changes in five key areas: ensuring access to safe territory and protection during journeys, guaranteeing adequate conditions and treatment for refugees, encouraging countries to accede to the Refugee Convention, and increasing access to durable solutions, including resettlement. The campaign will also urge countries to provide support to under-resourced nations and communities hosting large refugee populations.
SHARED HUMANITY
Dominique Hyde, Director of UNHCR’s Division of External Relations, emphasized the commendable solidarity shown by many states in welcoming forcibly displaced individuals despite their domestic challenges. However, she stressed the need for greater support to communities receiving refugees.
The campaign also includes a global call for petitions from the public, organizations, and world leaders to stand in solidarity with refugees and support their right to seek safety from conflict, violence, and persecution.
The launch of this campaign coincides with the 100-day countdown to the Global Refugee Forum (GRF), a major international gathering in Geneva that will bring together world leaders, civil society organizations, international institutions, and other stakeholders to seek solutions for refugees and host communities.
