2023-06-21 08:37:44
“Hope far from home” for World Refugee Day 2023
June 21, 2023
Gabon, like the international community, commemorated World Refugee Day. A conference-debate was organized for this purpose at Omar Bongo University, masterfully moderated by Dr. Christian Waly Waly, in the presence of Evelyne Otsobogo, Roving Ambassador in charge of the National Commission for Refugees (CNR) in Gabon, of Marius Ndzengue, Head of the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and many other personalities. It was this June 19, 2023 in Libreville.
Every year on June 20, the whole world commemorates World Refugee Day. This question has not finished flowing a lot of ink and saliva. Armed conflicts are responsible for this in most cases. The theme chosen for the said Day 2023 is ” Hope far from home for a world where refugees have their place “. It is a tribute to those who are forced by the force of circumstances to leave their country, their family, sometimes at the risk of their lives. To flee their home for an elsewhere, which they hope for better.
This year, it should be noted, World Refugee Day emphasizes “the importance of inclusion and finding solutions for refugees“. We must restore hope to refugees who have not voluntarily chosen to flee their country. The Head of the UNHCR Office explains that their integration into communities, the testimony of solidarity and the solutions envisaged are the means to give them hope.”We give refugees hope when we ensure they have the tools to empower them“, maintained Marius Ndzengue.
According to the Roving Ambassador in charge of the National Commission for Refugees (CNR), Gabon has some 300 refugees with the main hosts in two provinces in the south of the country. Evelyne Otsobogo later states that: “Refugees are no longer numerous because most have returned to their countries of origin, others have acquired Gabonese nationality“. And to add that that “Gabon no longer has many refugees“.
The refugees, who came to this meeting of giving and receiving, testified to Gabon’s good hospitality towards them. Heir G. Kakala, a refugee of Central African origin spoke well of this Central African country. “I left my country at war, I was in second. I took the risk of leaving Bangui via Cameroon to arrive in Gabon. I was supported by the CHR. I did my studies easily and I hold a License. This means that Gabon is a country of peace, tolerance, a fertile land of hospitality. May God continue to bless this country…“.
The Office Manager of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), will not say the opposite. He says it so well when he says:that in terms of welcoming refugees, Gabon is a model in Central Africa“.
World Refugee Day?
World Refugee Day is an international day established by the United Nations to pay tribute to refugees around the world. It takes place every year on June 20 and highlights the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their country to escape conflict or persecution.
Everyone’s wish is to see a world free of conflict, oppression, racism and other vices. The world would like to live in peace. A world where the weakest is supported by the strongest, a world where a smile is the best shared thing in the world, a world where the difference of races, social situations and many others will not be obstacles to living together . A world where life is good…
MTM
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