Brussels 20 June 2019/ACP:Today, on the occasion of World Refugees Day, the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States joins the international community in recognizing the plight of refugees worldwide who are forced to flee their homes due to war, conflict and persecution to seek a better life for themselves and their families.

The decision to leave one’s home, one’s family and take a perilous step into the unknown is not one to be taken lightly. It is a big step that requires courage and determination.

According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide is the highest than it has ever been, increasing by 2.3 million people in 2018 to over 70 million by the end of 2018.

There are 37,000 new displacements every day and nearly four out of every five refugees live in countries neighbouring their countries of origin. UNHCR estimates that one third of the global refugee population live in the Least Developed Countries. Therefore, the issues of refugees and forced migration are of great concern and interest to the ACP Group.

In keeping with the theme chosen for World Refugee Day 2019, “#StepWithRefugees – Take a step on World Refugee Day”, the ACP takes a step in solidarity with all the refugees on this day. Let us all pledge and commit to continue working to chart a safer, more stable world where all persons can live safely.