Dear Feride,
Dear Luidmyla,
Dear UNHCR Head of Mission
Dear participants from Ukraine, Afghanistan and other countries,
Mr. Ombudsperson;
Representatives of institutions,
I am honoured to be today among you on a day evoking memories, but also a lot of pain for all the people of Kosovo.
The fate of my people made us experience being refugees in 1999 when our existence was in question. Like everyone else in Kosovo, almost like everyone else, I myself was a refugee, so on this day, I cannot help but stand in solidarity with all the refugees around the world, but especially with those who have made our Republic their shelter today.
The people of Kosovo feel this best because 24 years ago, doors were opened to us in many countries worldwide. This day reminds us how important freedom and safe living are.
1999 marked for us a chapter of the war with suffering, displacement and great human losses. It also serves as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed by the genocidal Serbian state at the time of the war, and it is therefore essential that we reflect on and remember this dark period in order to ensure that such horrors never happen again.
The escalation of the war was followed by a mass exodus of nearly 1 million Kosovo men, women and children, who were subjected to unimaginable suffering, whose human rights were violated, whose existence was impinged, and who were forcibly expelled by Milosevic’s genocidal regime.
We were forced to leave our homes, leaving behind everything we held dear.
The stories from this period are a testimony to the human spirit’s resilience and strength against unimaginable disasters that war brings about.
In those dark days for us, the human spirit triumphed. Different peoples and countries worldwide joined in our compassion and stood in solidarity with us by opening their doors and hearts.
Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to protect the peace, promote tolerance and ensure that each and every individual, regardless of their affiliation or background, lives free from fear and persecution.
We must stand united against injustice, protect the rights of vulnerable people and strive for a world where no one is forced to endure displacement from and abandonment of the homeland.
On World Refugee Day, we must come together to honour the resilience, strength and courage of refugees around the world.
It is a day to recognize the plight of those who have been forced to leave their homes due to wars, persecution or disasters and to recognize their great contribution to society.
Refugees are not just numbers, but individuals with dreams, aspirations and potential.
They embody the indomitable spirit of human survival and the unwavering hope for a better future.
Today’s exhibition by Luidmyla is the factual evidence of this because, despite the difficulties they have faced, they are always an example of the triumph of the human spirit against any evil.
No one chooses to be a refugee. But anyone can become a refugee, anyone in the world can face such circumstances. Circumstances beyond their control take them away from everything they want.
Refugees are not only recipients of aid, they are also agents of change. Their diverse experiences, skills and perspectives enrich our societies and enhance cultural diversity.
Therefore, on this World Refugee Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to compassion and solidarity.
Let us reject fear and separation, and embrace instead understanding and respect.
By extending a helping hand to refugees, we are not only easing their suffering but also strengthening the bonds that unite us.
On World Refugee Day, let us advocate for the protection of their rights, access to education, healthcare and equal life opportunities.
Let us empower them to rebuild their lives and fulfil their potential because in doing so, we create a fairer, more human and more equal world for all.
Together, we can build a future where no one is forced to flee, where every individual is esteemed and protected, and where compassion knows no limits.
Let us stand together with refugees, not only today but every day, until every person finds peace, safety and a safe haven in their own home.
Thank you!
