Celebrating World Refugee Day 2021

On Sunday, June 20th we marked an international day to celebrate World Refugee Day. We acknowledge those who have had to flee their home countries because of war, conflict or disaster and to recognise the contribution that refugees make in our community. Here in Aotearoa, we have a proud history of welcoming people and giving them a safe home when they have had to leave everything they know behind - people just like me.

There are events happening across the country this week to celebrate our vibrant refugee communities and New Zealand’s commitment to offering a new home to those in need. These events are expressions of long-held Kiwi values of fairness, equality, and openness. Everybody deserves to have a safe, peaceful place to live. Offering that to families fleeing war or persecution is the right thing to do and it is also of a tangible benefit to New Zealand. People of refugee backgrounds offer not only diverse cultural perspectives, but also their rich and varied experiences in the sciences, arts, business, sports, and more. They bring with them a strong desire to participate in employment, in community activities, volunteering, and education. World Refugee Day is about celebrating these wonderful contributions and reconfirming our commitment to helping those who need a safe home.

I am proud that since coming to Government, Labour has increased our refugee quota and removed a racist refugee policy that discriminated against refugees from certain countries. Although COVID-19 is still impacting our ability to resettle more refugees, the Government remains committed to finding solutions. Since last year’s World Refugee Day we have resumed the Refugee Quota Programme. By the end of this intake year we will have welcomed 212 refugees through Te Āhuru Mōwai o Aotearoa (the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre), with every one of those arrivals having followed our COVID health requirements.

I urge us all to remember the millions of people still living in dire conditions, desperate for basic necessities and a better life. This year thousands will also be separated from their loved ones, as the pandemic has made global travel difficult and worsened conditions for many.

Refugees do not want to be in the position they are in. They did not want to leave their home country, the place they loved. As part of a global community, New Zealand welcomes refugees as a safe nation, as a place to call home, and a place to achieve your dreams. I’m so proud to be able to share my story, and represent a party that values our refugee community here in New Zealand.

Finally, the theme for 2021 World Refugee Day is: “Together we heal, learn and shine”. I believe through empathy and understanding we will forge a future where all refugees can be better protected and supported in their host countries. - Ibrahim Omer, Labour List MP (Picture courtesy: UNHCR)