Empower host countries cope with refugee problems

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been asked to adequately empower less endowed countries hosting refugees to cope with the interminable problems associated with the victims.

The Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), President John Agyekum Kufuor made the call in a statement read on his behalf at the World Refugee Day celebration in Accra on Friday, under the theme, "Refugee youth: Building the Future."

He said: " The UNHCR must diversity and expand its field work to enable it obtain first-hand information about the problems of refugees and how the host communities grapple with these challenges."

President Kufuor also urged UNHCR to actively to consolidate the reintegration of refugees returning to their countries as well as encouraging states and other institutions to create favourable conditions for the protection of human rights and peaceful resolution of disputes.

The ECOWAS Chairman said as part of Ghana's obligation to the international community, the government and people have extended its traditional hospitality to about 42,000 refugees.

''However, our ability to receive our brothers and sisters from neighbouring countries should not in any way give inaccurate impression about the level of our capacity to host our guest.''

President Kufuor said infrastructures were woefully inadequate for the cascade of demands from refugees adding, "The challenges of hosting refugees, especially children are too onerous for Ghana to confront."

The United Nations Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan whose message was also read for him urged the international community to reaffirm its commitment to saving future generations from growing up without hope.

"Young refugees need our help... through humanitarian involvement, educational and other youth-related programmes to ease the hard lot of young refugees and make their lives fuller, safer and more meaningful.''

"However, it should never be the substitute for serious and sustained efforts to find solutions for the problems that cause displacement in the first place," Mr Annan emphasized.

Mr Annan condemned the involvement of children in the world's most violent wars, stressing that over 300,000 young people between the ages of 15 and 17 years have been recruited to fight in conflicts, often for reasons they could not possibly comprehend.

"Even if they escape death or injury, they are traumatized for life with the torments of war, violence, bereavement, sexual abuse, forced recruitment and the brutality of the experience."

Mr J. H. Mensah, Senior Minister urged refugees to return home as soon as situation in their countries normalized.

The Senior Minister noted: "its through courage, determination and self-will that one can brace the storm and return home to face the realities of uncertainties, deprivation and the more difficult task of reconstruction."

The global community celebrates the day on June 20, to highlight refugee achievements and contributions as well as countries that offer refuge to these unfortunate citizens of the world.

The United Nations have dedicated this year's celebration to the millions of young people whose fortunes have been jeopardized by war, hatred and exile at an age when they should be dreaming of life's limitless possibilities and building up their skills in preparation for adulthood.

The UNHCR, together with its partners, highlighted matters related to these people who have sought refuge in host countries because of a well-founded fear of persecution.

As part of the celebration a video documentary, "Keep Hope Alive- the story of Refugees at Gomoa Buduburam" was shown whilst a magazine "The Refugee, My Story, Our Story" was also launched.

The audiences were also entertained with musical performance, cultural dances and poetry recital by Liberian refuges.