The world of Tzu Chi June 2021 (Vol.135)
eature Forging a sense of community In 2000, UNHCR designated June 20 of each year as World Refugee Day which seeks to highlight the plight of refugees, and to raise awareness of the contributions of refugees in our society. In 2001, the first “World Refugee Day” set the theme as “Respect”—a call to respect every refugee as a valuable human being, and as part of our community. I n 1951, the Refugee Convention was adopted by the United Nations. Its purpose was to mitigate the impact of population movement after the World War II and to encourage countries to take in refugees by affording them basic rights. However, disasters, wars, ethnic and racial disputes, along with other issues, have complicated the refugee crisis over the years. By mid-2020, a record high of more than 80 million people globally was made homeless. UNHCR is relentless in its pursuit of a long-term solution to the refugee issue. In 2014, UNHCR launched the global “I Belong” campaign, hoping to solve the statelessness issue within a decade. The “I Belong” campaign emphasizes “statelessness can have a devastating impact on life”, and it urges every country to ensure laws respect one’s nationality and basic rights. The threat that each refugee faces is very real, and it can span his/her entire life journey. Apart from being deprived of their legal status at birth, they are often denied access to education, health care, marriage and employment opportunities. Even when they die, there is no dignity for a decent funeral and the issuance of a proper death certificate. Over the years, refugees continue to be rejected and stigmatized. Countries that have not signed the Refugee Convention have adopted an impassive attitude to the problem. Refugees have neither legal status nor protection although they continue to serve and strive in our society. NGOs play a critical role At such a time, NGOs play a pivotal role. They hold no affiliations to any government, and neither are they established by any country. The services provided are not profit-oriented. When necessary, NGOs play the role of a “third party” through proactive co-operation with the government, which can complement for the lack of adequate policies and resources for refugees. In 1997 and 1999, the Noble Peace Prize was awarded to the International Campaigns to Ban Landmines and Médecins Sans Frontières, a recognition for their long-term dedication and contribution. In a developed society, the development of government, businesses and NGOs must be accorded equal priority. The role of government is to create a safe, viable and civilized society where people can live peacefully. The business of most businesses is to create surplus. Given the different roles of both government and business, NGOs need to step up and play the role as a third party to reach out to the marginalized and vulnerable. The biggest social function is to focus on basic rights and provide Translated by Chung Chin Sei 2021 • 06 32
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