Ghana observes World Refugee Day with call to protect rights of refugee children

The Executive Secretary of the Ghana Refugee Board (GRB), Nana Asare Bediako, has called for renewed commitment towards protecting refugee children and creating opportunities that would enable them to realise their full potential.

Speaking at the commemoration of World Refugee Day in Accra last weekend, he said refugee children remained among the most vulnerable groups affected by conflict, persecution and displacement across the world.

According to him, more than 120 million people have been forcibly displaced globally, out of which 40 per cent are children who have been deprived of safety, education and a stable future.

“Behind every refugee child is a dream, a desire for security and a hope for a brighter future,” he stated, adding that the international community must continue to support efforts aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of displaced children.

Mr Bediako noted that this year’s World Refugee Day coincided with the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, which established the legal framework for protecting people forced to flee their homes.

He stressed that refugee children deserved the same rights and opportunities as others, including access to education, healthcare and protection from exploitation.

Mr Bediako commended the Government of Ghana for maintaining an open and humane refugee policy, saying the country’s response was guided by the principle of “protection with dignity.”

He said Ghana, in collaboration with development partners and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), had continued to implement measures that promote the inclusion and well-being of refugees, including children.

Mr Bediako explained that providing opportunities for refugee families to become self-reliant would ultimately improve the lives of their children.

He urged development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and the media to continue supporting refugee programmes and host communities.

“As we mark World Refugee Day, let us remember that every refugee child deserves safety, education and hope. Let us honour not only their struggles but also their courage and resilience,” he said.

Mr Bediako also commended staff of the Ghana Refugee Board for their dedication and commitment despite resource constraints, stressing that the work of protecting refugees would continue until every displaced person was able to live in safety and dignity.

By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu