UN chief pays tribute to refugees

12 million have fled across international borders

By Stephen Cviic

Wednesday has been designated World Refugee Day by the United Nations.

It is almost exactly 50 years since the UN Convention on Refugees was signed, and the organisation says it is time to remember the millions of people around the world who have crossed international borders to escape persecution, war or disasters.

The term refugee is sometimes also used to describe people who are displaced within their own country.

The UN wants refugees to be treated with more understanding and respect

The UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, describes refugees as the great survivors of our time - people who have persevered despite losing everything but hope.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 12 million people have fled across international borders.

If internally displaced people are included, the figure rises to more than 20 million.

The UNHCR recognises that the best way to deal with refugees is to tackle the conflicts that caused many of them to flee.

But it argues that setting aside one day a year to focus on their plight will help them to be treated with more understanding and respect.

In recent years, the UNHCR's aid budget has fallen, partly because of donor fatigue.

The organisation wants governments to renew their commitment to the principle of asylum and give more money.