The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) marked World Refugee Day on June 20 by highlighting the growing challenges faced by displaced populations worldwide and renewing its call for international solidarity and support for refugees.
In a statement released on the occasion, the OIC noted that the United Nations has observed World Refugee Day annually since 2000 to raise awareness of the plight of refugees and promote global efforts to protect their rights and dignity.
The organization emphasized that refugees should not be viewed as a burden, but as human beings deserving of protection, hope, and opportunities for a better future.
According to figures highlighted by the OIC, the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide has reached approximately 117.8 million. This includes around 41.6 million refugees living outside their countries of origin, 68.7 million internally displaced persons, and nearly 9 million asylum seekers. Children account for an estimated 39 percent of the global refugee population.
The OIC also pointed out that a significant share of the world’s refugees are hosted by its member states, with approximately 60 to 70 percent of refugees residing in countries belonging to the organization. Among them are about 5.9 million Palestinian refugees and 1.3 million Rohingya refugees living in camps in Bangladesh.
The organization noted that six OIC member states rank among the world’s top ten refugee-hosting countries, underscoring the substantial humanitarian responsibilities shouldered by many Muslim-majority nations.
Highlighting Islamic values related to the treatment of displaced people, the OIC stressed principles of protecting the vulnerable, assisting those in need, honoring refugees and displaced persons, and promoting their positive integration into host communities.
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