GENEVA – The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, has expressed his warmest wishes to the millions of people observing the holy month of Ramadan, calling it a “time of deep reflection and reconciliation.”
The holy month comes at a time when more people are being forcibly uprooted than at any time in recent history, with over 65 million driven from their homes by war or persecution.
“Families torn apart, innocent lives lost, children separated from their parents,” said Grandi. “These are some of the harsh realities that far too many people endure on a daily basis.”
“Families torn apart, innocent lives lost, children separated from their parents."
In the first half of last year alone, 1.7 million people were newly displaced within their own country, while 1.5 million had crossed an international border.
But despite the mounting challenges, Grandi said resolve to overcome them is far greater and praised the outpouring of generosity from individuals and communities to help those seeking refuge.
“The spirit of solidarity, a central tenet in Islam, remains strong,” said Grandi. “It is in this very same spirit that refugees and the internally displaced also find relief and courage.”
He called for solidarity and support to help in alleviating their tragic circumstances and rebuilding a vision of the future.
“I wish you and your loved ones a blessed spiritual journey of fasting, prayer and deep reflection,” he concluded.