UNHCR chief calls for solidarity with Rohingyas, refugees in Ramadan

UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi has called for solidarity with millions of forcibly displaced people worldwide, including over one million Rohingyas living in Bangladesh.

The UNHCR chief shared his warmest wishes with all those observing the holy month of Ramadan with a call for unity in the face of prevailing challenges.

"The holy month of Ramadan conveys a very important message today which we must not forget: may what unites us prevail over what divides us," he said in a video message recorded during a visit to Kutupalong Rohingya camp here recently.

The camp is at the centre of an area hosting over one million Rohingya people who have fled their homes in Myanmar in search of safety and shelter across the border.

"In a world where we tragically continue to witness unprecedented human suffering and desperation, with almost 70 million people forcibly uprooted from their homes, patience and mercy, the values of Ramadan, are more vital than ever," Grandi said.

The High Commissioner said Ramadan provides a time to remember the innocent lives lost in pursuit of safety and asylum, and to show their support to the millions driven from their homes by violence and persecution. "Let's honour their resilience and stand in solidarity with them, today and every day."

He stressed that the holy month falls this year at a time when the world has witnessed senseless attacks on people as they gather to worship, as well as mounting xenophobia, and hardening political sentiments towards those who are in greatest need of support.

"Against this backdrop, I'm consistently humbled by the countless displays of human generosity, often demonstrated by those who themselves have little to spare. It's in places like this, here in Cox's Bazar, that we see host communities in Bangladesh demonstrating the very values central to the month of Ramadan day in and day out: compassion, solidarity, generosity, all extended to refugees and the forcibly displaced," Grandi said.

The UN refugee agency chief said he remains inspired by individuals and leaders who choose courage over divisiveness and compassion over fear.