June 21, 2024
World Refugee Day reminds us of an escalating and unprecedented global displacement crisis. The United Nations reports a staggering 120 million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes as of May 2023, a new world record produced by the last decade plus of conflict.
Syria remains the world’s most significant displacement crisis, according to the UN report, with nearly 14 million Syrians uprooted. The global refugee crisis includes other countries and areas, such as Ukraine, Sudan, and the Gaza Strip. SAMS has been at the forefront of delivering medical care in these regions to support refugees and displaced persons. We remain committed to helping those in need and call on the international community to protect displaced persons from the impacts of conflict, such as a lack of adequate shelter, food, and healthcare to maintain their wellbeing and dignity.
“The plight of refugees demands our constant attention, protection, and support,” Dr. Mufaddal Hamadah, SAMS’ President, said. “We call on the global community to act with urgency and determination. Behind the statistics are countless human stories of suffering and resilience that compel us to take action.”
As we consider the challenges faced by displaced populations, SAMS will continue to advocate for their rights and provide essential medical care. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to join us in this mission. Every day should be World Refugee Day, a day to honor, protect, empower, and support those who have been forced to flee their homes.
SAMS also calls on the international community to uphold and protect the dignity of refugees in accordance with international laws and conventions, such as the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. These frameworks established the rights of refugees and the legal obligations of states to protect them. It is crucial that all countries adhere to these principles and take concrete steps to ensure that refugees are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, providing them with the necessary resources to rebuild their lives and secure their futures.
