By Belize Live News Staff: Today, on World Refugee Day, Belize is recognising the strength, resilience and determination of refugees around the world, people who have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety and protection.
Marked each year and led by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), World Refugee Day shines a light on the millions displaced by war, violence and persecution. This year’s theme, “Until Everyone is safe,” is a reminder that no community can be truly secure while others are left without protection, dignity or the chance to start over.
In Belize, the occasion is being observed with more than words. UNHCR, the Refugees Department and Humana People to People are hosting a month of activities — from children’s sports events to awareness campaigns and community gatherings, aimed at strengthening bonds and thanking Belizean communities for their compassion and support toward those who have been forced to flee.
UNHCR Officer-in-Charge for Belize, Mariya Voloshkevich, spoke of honouring the courage and achievements of refugees, while Nikolai Zelaya, Director of the Refugees Department, said the day is a reminder that every refugee carries a story of resilience, courage and hope. Belize, he said, stands united in solidarity, committed to treating those in need of protection with fairness, respect and humanity.
The Refugees Department, under the Ministry of Immigration, Governance and Labour, says it will continue to uphold the rights of refugees and asylum seekers in keeping with national laws and international obligations. As the day is marked, the message from Belize is one of unity: a call to work toward a future where every person can live in safety, contribute to their community, and look ahead with hope.
