#WithRefugees campaign stands for families that flee their homes

On World Refugee Day, held every year on June 20^th, the United Nations and different non-profit organisations all around the world commemorate the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of refugees that flee their homes. The UN Refugee Agency launched a petition in 2016 calling for action to improve the lives of refugees. A campaign called #WithRefugees wants to show that the global public could stand together for refugees. At the moment, 1,531,345 people have pledged their support towards the campaign. It is a platform for the public to express solidarity with people forced to flee and encourage governments to take action.

The petition asks governments to make sure every refugee child gets an education. It also demands public authorities to ensure every refugee family has somewhere safe to live and that every refugee can work or learn new skills to make a positive contribution to their community. “I’ve met so many who have lost so much. But they never lose their dreams for their children or their desire to better our world. They ask for little in return – only our support in their time of greatest need”, said the UN Secretary-General António Guterres. That's what he said. 

Joining the campaign it’s easy. To do so, people have to add their names to the #WithRefugees petition to send a lear message to governments that they must act with solidarity and shared responsibility. According to UNHCR, there is an even greater need to promote tolerance and respect for people forced to flee. The campaign is integrated by different non-profit organisations, universities and institutions that give their support. Some of them are InterAction A United Voice for Global Change, Human Rights Consortium, Relief International, Bjorkens University College, CWS, International Rescue Committee, Refugees International and University of Essex. Here you can check the full Coalition list.

Nearly 65 million people are displaced worldwide according to UNCHR.  Even celebrities such as Ben Stiller and Cate Blanchett have already stood #WithRefugees. Other celebrities have also joined the campaign. The United Nations Department of Public Information has launched a new animated video on the dramatic story of Yusra Mardini, a young refugee from conflict-torn Syria who achieved her dream to compete in the Olympics. The video was produced by the Education Outreach Section in support of the Together Initiative. If you would like to watch the video, you can check the following site.