By Belize Live News Staff: The United Nations commemorated World Refugee Day on Friday with a football match in Trio Village, bringing together refugees, community members, and UN agencies. The event aimed to celebrate the resilience of refugees and advocate for their inclusion.
With over 120 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, the UN Resident Coordinator, Raul Salazar, emphasized the importance of honoring refugees’ strength and courage while stepping up efforts to protect and support them. Belize, home to over 4,000 refugees mainly from Central America, serves as a safe haven for those seeking protection.
Jonathan, a Honduran refugee living in Belize for 11 years, expressed his joy at participating in the event, highlighting the importance of sharing refugee stories and fostering understanding. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has been supporting refugees in Belize since 1987 and continues to advocate for their rights and inclusion.
UNHCR Head of Office, Myrat Myradov, called for solidarity with refugees and emphasized their valuable contributions to Belizean society. The UN reaffirms its commitment to including refugees in all its activities, ensuring no one is left behind in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
