Asylum and Refugee Rights Advocates Demand Action Beyond Words for Refugees on World Refugee Day 2025
This post has already been read at least 1178 times!
As the world marks World Refugee Day 2025 under the theme “Solidarity with Refugees”, the Asylum and Refugee Rights Advocacy Foundation (ARRA)—also known as the Asylum and Refugee Rights Advocates—has called on global leaders, institutions, and citizens to rise above platitudes and engage in concrete action that safeguards and uplifts the lives of refugees and asylum seekers.
In a passionate statement signed by Dr. Okey James Ezugwu, a legal practitioner, retired Assistant Comptroller General of Immigration, and Executive Director of ARRA, the organization emphasized that global solidarity must move beyond symbolic observances to address the real and growing crisis of forced displacement. With more than 120 million people displaced worldwide due to conflict, persecution, and climate-related disasters, the urgency for practical solutions has never been greater.
“Solidarity with refugees must be more than a theme or a slogan,” Dr. Ezugwu declared. “It must translate into tangible actions that safeguard their rights, protect their dignity, and guarantee their access to justice, healthcare, education, employment, and a safe place to call home.”
ARRA condemned the rising tide of xenophobia, forced deportations, arbitrary detentions, and policy reversals which, according to the organization, have increasingly undermined refugee protections in many countries. Despite the commitments enshrined in the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, many states have continued to violate their international obligations, often treating refugees with suspicion, hostility, or neglect.
Dr. Ezugwu reminded the public that refugees are not threats—they are victims of threats. He argued that refugees should not be perceived as societal burdens but as individuals who, when given the opportunity, can contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of their host communities.
The ARRA statement called for enhanced global cooperation to tackle the root causes of forced displacement and urged governments to adopt refugee protection frameworks grounded in international human rights and humanitarian law. The organization stressed the importance of building systems that are both inclusive and rights-based, allowing displaced persons to live in dignity and safety.
As part of its ongoing work, ARRA reaffirmed its commitment to providing free legal aid and representation to asylum seekers and refugees in Nigeria and across the African continent. It also pledged to strengthen its partnerships with civil society organizations, policy advocates, and government stakeholders to drive progressive migration policies.
“On this World Refugee Day, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to stand with refugees—not just in words, but in consistent and courageous action,” Dr. Ezugwu said. “Solidarity is not a passive sentiment; it is a deliberate choice to build a just world where no one is left behind.”
The organization concluded with a call to individuals, institutions, and governments to lend their voices, platforms, and resources to the cause of refugee justice—affirming that upholding refugee rights is a shared moral and legal responsibility.
As the global community reflects on the meaning of solidarity, ARRA’s message serves as a timely and urgent reminder: that true solidarity is measured not by speeches or hashtags, but by actions that affirm the humanity and hopes of displaced people across the globe.
This post has already been read at least 1178 times!
