World Refugee Day.
World Refugee Day serves as a reminder that more than 103 million individuals have been forcibly displaced from their homes due to conflicts, wars, persecution, and crises. Each day, approximately 37,000 people are compelled to leave their homes as a result of conflicts and persecution (source: UNHCR, 2019). Annually, over 100,000 refugees seek refuge in Europe. It is important to acknowledge that the governments of peripheral European countries face challenges in effectively addressing this situation (source: UNHCR, Operational Portal).
Our involvement with refugees began in 2015 on the island of Lesbos, Greece, where it emerged as a place of sanctuary for individuals fleeing Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. At our tented centers, we have been dedicated to providing sustenance, companionship, and essential provisions, ensuring their basic needs are met. We have also extended our efforts to apply the SOS protocol in other countries and continue to provide support to refugees in Ukraine, as well as internally displaced individuals who have lost their homes in Turkey.
While it is important to acknowledge the difficulties and pain experienced by these individuals, we have chosen to focus on the resilience of children, the sense of fulfillment, the formation of communities, and the creation of new opportunities that contribute to long-term assistance. To achieve this, we are committed to constructing purpose-built residential areas within established camps, featuring well-planned infrastructure that facilitates a sense of normalcy and allows people to rebuild their lives.
As part of our ongoing work, we envision the establishment of comprehensive centers that include modern sports facilities, sanitation services, social kitchens, and inviting communal spaces, complemented by hygiene and recreational areas. These initiatives aim to provide a dignified and supportive environment for individuals to thrive and rebuild their lives.
