Statement from the Secretary General of Religions for Peace: Living Up to the Promise of the 75th Anniversary of the Refugee Convention

The story of humanity is a story of movement – and too often a story of fleeing a home when no longer safe nor secure.

Today, tens of millions of people around the world are refugees. As World War II ended, the world united to sign the Refugee Convention of 1951, vowing to ensure the safety and security of people forced out of their homes and communities.

Dr. Francis Kuria, Secretary General of Religions for Peace is one of many leading world figures who have signed The Promise. See other signatories here.

Around the world, communities warmly welcome refugees, providing aid and comfort as they seek to rebuild their lives. But too often today, refugees face hostility and even violence. For the religious leaders of Religions for Peace such abhorrent treatment gives us heavy hearts.

The movement of people raises legitimate concerns for governments. Security comes to mind, social support services and economic growth are others. Implementing controls at borders, according to the proper and just application of international law, is an appropriate response.

Nevertheless, religious traditions around the world are absolutely clear regarding the moral imperative on the treatment of a refugee. A refugee deserves dignity and respect. Treating a refugee any worse than any other human being constitutes a grave offense not only against a fellow human being – but against the shared values of faith traditions.

Protecting asylum-seekers and granting them safe refuge is considered an absolute religious obligation across diverse religious traditions. References to this obligation abound throughout the sacred writings of virtually all traditions – and are fundamental to the Shared Sacred Worldview of Shared Sacred Flourishing.

Political leaders, community leaders, and religious leaders must act urgently now against the hostility directed toward and violence being perpetrated against refugees around the world.

That is why today I am one of the signatories to The Promise – released to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, one of the most important international agreements in history and a defining expression of our shared humanity.

Forged in the aftermath of the horrors of the Second World War, the Convention enshrined a simple yet profound promise: to uphold the right of every person, no matter who they are or where they are from, to seek and live in safety. Our signatures on The Promise affirm our commitment to a world where:

• Safety is a certainty: Everyone has the right to seek safety from war, violence, and persecution.
• Refugees are included: Refugees belong in our communities, schools, and workplaces, where they can find opportunities and contribute to the societies that host them.
• Solutions are swift: Whether it’s integration, a fresh start in a new country, or a safe return home, we seek to resolve displacement right from the start.
• We act together: From governments to local communities, global institutions to town halls, boardrooms to faith groups, businesses to civil society, we all play our part in making a difference.

United, we stand by the promise of the Refugee Convention.

We choose action, compassion and solidarity.

In this vast and infinite universe there is no one else that will come and rescue us and solve our divisions; therefore, we must learn to be kind to one another and cherish the time we have together.

Dr. Francis Kuria

Secretary General of Religions for Peace