Faith-based leaders release statement to Global Refugee Forum: “seeking asylum is a basic human right”

“We recognise that while our commitments are important contributions, there are more humanitarian needs than humanitarian resources available for the 36.4 million refugees worldwide today,” reads the message. “The consequences are stark, affecting displaced people and the communities hosting them.”

The Global Refugee Forum is being held in Geneva from 13-15 December. 

"We challenge the representations of refugees in our media, reminding ourselves and our communities that seeking asylum is a basic human right and that attitudes and policies can create real-life harm, marginalizing and dehumanizing people who are escaping war, disaster, and persecution,” reads the message. “We commit to uniting around our common values, goals, and activities and establishing effective and long-lasting partnerships to protect and support refugees, those displaced by climate change and their host countries, magnifying the impact of everyone’s efforts.”

The faith-based leaders pledged to continue speaking up and defending the individual right to seek asylum. “We will advocate for safe passage, humanitarian corridors, and facilitation of humanitarian visas,” the message reads. “We recognize the contribution of refugees. They bring their skills, ambitions, courage, and dreams for peace to their communities through forgiveness and reconciliation.”

They concluded by welcoming the opportunity the Global Refugee Forum provides to work inter-religiously and with other sectors. 

“We pledge concrete action to support refugees,” concludes the message. “We commit to using our voices to show that change is possible and that there is a path from despair to hope and from hope to action. We call on religious leaders everywhere to join us.”

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