This image has been used for illustrative purpose.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has reminded countries of their fundamental obligation to protect the nearly 80 million people worldwide forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution and other crises.

In his message to mark World Refugee Day on Saturday, 20 June, the UN chief also praised those nations and communities hosting refugees and internally displaced people, often amid their own economic and security challenges.

"We owe these countries our thanks, our support and our investment," he said.

Global displacement is at a record high, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, reported on Thursday.

Figures reached 79.5 million in 2019, with 10 million people fleeing in the past year alone.

 Displaced Syrian children play at a refugee camp.

"On World Refugee Day, we pledge to do everything in our power to end the conflict and persecution that drive these appalling numbers," said Mr. Guterres.

While refugees and internally displaced people are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Secretary-General commended them for stepping up on the frontlines of response.

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"From camps in Bangladesh to hospitals in Europe, refugees are working as nurses, doctors, scientists, teachers and in other essential roles, protecting themselves and giving back to the communities that host them," he said.

"On World Refugee Day, we thank refugees for their resourcefulness and determination to rebuild their own lives, and to improve the lives of those around them."

In a recent policy brief, Mr. Guterres urged governments to ensure "people on the move" are included in pandemic response and recovery.

WAM