During my decade as UN High Commissioner for Refugees, I witnessed the resilience and contributions of refugees across all walks of life.

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Their perseverance in the face of adversity inspires me every day.

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Refugees represent the very best of the human spirit.

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They need and deserve support and solidarity — not closed borders and pushbacks.

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As we mark World Refugee Day, we confront a startling statistic.

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More than 100 million people living in countries rocked by conflict, persecution, hunger and climate chaos have been forced to flee their homes.

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These are not numbers on a page.

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These are individual women, children and men making difficult journeys — often facing violence, exploitation, discrimination and abuse.

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This Day reminds us of our duty to protect and support refugees — and our obligation to open more avenues of support.

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This includes solutions to resettle refugees and to help them rebuild their lives in dignity.

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We need greater international support for host countries, as called for by the Global Compact for Refugees, to boost access to quality education, decent work, health care, housing and social protection.

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And we need much stronger political will to make peace, so refugees can return safely to their homes.

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This year’s theme is “Hope Away from Home.”

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I call on the world to harness the hope that refugees carry in their hearts.

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Let’s match their courage with the opportunities they need, every step of the way.