World Refugee Day: UN chief highlights unfair burden on developing nations

Marking the World Refugee Day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres today (20 June) said host communities, often in developing countries, are shouldering the greatest burden which is unfair.

"This is unfair and unsustainable," he said in a message marking the World Refugee Day.

For over eight years, Bangladesh has been hosting over 1.2 million Rohingya people who fled their own country Myanmar due to persecution by the military regime.

"But even as the world falls short, refugees continue to show extraordinary courage, resilience and determination," Guterres said in his message.

And when given the chance, he said, they contribute meaningfully – strengthening economies, enriching cultures, and deepening social bonds.

On this World Refugee Day, solidarity must go beyond words, said the UN chief, adding that solidarity must mean boosting humanitarian and development support, expanding protection and durable solutions such as resettlement, and upholding the right to seek asylum – a pillar of international law.

He said it must also mean listening to refugees and ensuring they have a voice in shaping their futures.

"And it must mean investing in long-term integration through education, decent work, and equal rights," Guterres said.

"Becoming a refugee is never a choice. But how we respond is. So let us choose solidarity. Let us choose courage. Let us choose humanity," said the UN chief.

He said they recognise the millions of refugees forced to flee war, persecution, and disaster.

Every individual carries a story of profound loss – of a family uprooted and a future upended, Guterres said.

"Many face closed doors and a rising tide of xenophobia. From Sudan to Ukraine, from Haiti to Myanmar, a record number of people are on the run for their lives – while support is dwindling," he said.