PRESS STATEMENT: World Refugee Day – 20 June 2025
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- by CSVR
Today, on World Refugee Day, the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) proudly stands in solidarity with displaced people across the globe, and particularly with our partners in the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CoRMSA). This day serves as a solemn reminder of the enduring challenges faced by refugees and a powerful celebration of their resilience, strength, and humanity.
In 2025, the lived realities of refugees in South Africa and worldwide remain deeply complex. Many continue to face systemic barriers, including socio-economic hardship, xenophobia, limited access to basic services, and social exclusion. Despite these challenges, refugees remain integral members of our communities, contributing meaningfully through their skills, cultures, entrepreneurship, and lived experiences. Their presence enriches the social fabric of our nation and embodies perseverance in the face of adversity.
At CSVR, we believe that protecting the rights and dignity of refugees is not only a legal obligation but also a moral imperative. Their stories of survival and courage must inspire urgent and sustained action. We call for implementing inclusive and humane policies that recognise refugees not as burdens, but as fellow human beings deserving of safety, opportunity, and belonging.
We also acknowledge the tireless efforts of civil society, faith-based organisations, and grassroots movements to promote refugee protection, challenge xenophobia, and advocate for social cohesion. However, more must be done. We call on the South African government and every national government across the globe, policymakers, and every citizen to recommit to upholding the principles of justice, equality, and humanity.
As Justice Zukisa Tshiqi once reminded us, "In a democratic society, we must be vigilant in protecting the rights of those who seek refuge from persecution. Our response to refugees defines our character as a nation." Similarly, we echo Justice Edwin Cameron, who said, "the law must protect the most vulnerable among us, including refugees. Their plight is a measure of our own humanity and the values we hold dear as a society."
Let us honour World Refugee Day not only in words but also in action by challenging xenophobia, dismantling structural inequalities, and building a society where no one is left behind. Let us stand with refugees, not just today but every day, as we work toward a more just, inclusive, and compassionate South Africa.
CSVR is a multi-disciplinary institute that seeks to understand and prevent violence, heal its effects and build sustainable peace at the community, national and regional levels.
