WILLEMSTAD - On June 20, World Refugee Day, Human Rights Defense Curaçao (HRDC) made a powerful appeal to urge Curaçao to sign the 1951 Refugee Convention.
The 1951 Refugee Convention, already ratified by 150 countries, is a significant international document aimed at safeguarding individuals who have fled their home countries to escape conflicts and persecution.
HRDC emphasized the importance of signing this convention, as it would allow Curaçao to send a strong message of commitment to human rights and adherence to international rules. This step holds particular significance for Curaçao, which has been accommodating predominantly young individuals and sometimes entire families from Venezuela since 2015.
Under the theme "Solutions for Refugees and the Power of Inclusion," World Refugee Day 2023 highlights the need to integrate refugees into society. HRDC actively participates in this initiative, working tirelessly to ensure the successful integration of refugees into Curaçaoan society. The signing of the Refugee Convention would mark a significant milestone in these ongoing efforts.
Assisting refugees in rebuilding their lives, whether through facilitating voluntary and safe returns to their home countries or supporting their successful resettlement in other nations, is crucial in providing aid to this vulnerable population. HRDC staunchly believes in and consistently works towards achieving this mission.