This year, once again, we mark World Refugee Day with a global message of solidarity, protection, and hope for millions of forcibly displaced people around the world. We call for greater international support for people fleeing wars, violence, persecution, poverty, discrimination, and humanitarian crises in search of safety, protection, and a life with dignity. 

On this occasion, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Macedonia reaffirms its commitment to refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and forcibly displaced persons, while raising awareness of the challenges they continue to face both globally and in North Macedonia. JRS Macedonia emphasizes that behind every statistic there is a human destiny. 

“Refugees are not asking for pity. They are asking for safety, dignity, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.” 

World Refugee Day is not merely a symbolic date on the calendar. It is a reminder of the millions of people who continue to live in uncertainty, far from their homes, while searching for a chance for a new beginning. It is also a call for greater solidarity, respect for human rights, and collective action in support of refugees and forcibly displaced people everywhere. 

As migration movements along the Balkan Route continue, North Macedonia remains an important transit country for refugees and migrants. The situation on the ground requires continuous support, stronger protection mechanisms, improved coordination, and a more effective institutional response to safeguard fundamental human rights. At the same time, refugees are receiving less public attention, while newly adopted European migration policies continue to create additional challenges for people on the move. 

For many years, JRS Macedonia has remained one of the key organizations providing direct support and protection to refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers in the country. Through its daily presence in the Temporary Transit Centre Vinojug in Gevgelija, the Reception Centre for Foreigners (Detention Centre), and the Reception Centre for Asylum Seekers, both in Skopje, the organization provides psychosocial support, humanitarian assistance, information services, legal aid, and direct material support to some of the most vulnerable individuals encountered along the migration route. 

Special attention is dedicated to women, children, unaccompanied minors, and other vulnerable groups who are often exposed to heightened risks and protection concerns. Through its cooperation with state institutions, JRS Macedonia continues to contribute to strengthening protection systems, improving conditions in reception facilities, and promoting greater understanding of refugee issues within society. 

A particular focus of this year’s commemoration was placed on the activities organized to celebrate World Refugee Day in two reception facilities in North Macedonia. 

Special emphasis was given to the event organized on June 19th at the Temporary Transit Centre Vinojug (Gevgelija). The management and authorities of the centre granted permission for JRS Macedonia to organize a gathering dedicated to refugees and migrants accommodated there. Although many refugees stay in the transit centre only briefly before continuing their journey, it was important to ensure that they were not forgotten and that they, too, had the opportunity to mark this important day. The event created a space for dialogue, solidarity, and recognition of the resilience and strength demonstrated by people who have endured difficult and often dangerous journeys. 

In addition, JRS Macedonia was the main initiator, host, and coordinator of a central event commemorating World Refugee Day, which took place on June 23rd in collaboration with the authorities at the Reception Centre for Asylum Seekers in Vizbegovo (Skopje). Invitations were sent to all stakeholders involved in refugee protection and asylum matters, including representatives from state institutions, law enforcement agencies, judicial authorities, international organizations, and civil society organizations. While many invited representatives actively participated in the event, some were unfortunately unable to attend. 

To mark the occasion in a spirit of friendship, inclusion, and mutual understanding, JRS Macedonia organized a friendly bowling tournament bringing together refugees, asylum seekers, and representatives of institutions. The activity encouraged interaction beyond formal meetings and demonstrated how sport can serve as a bridge between people of different backgrounds, fostering respect, trust, friendship, and social cohesion. 

The gathering nevertheless provided an important platform for dialogue, cooperation, and the promotion of refugee rights and protection standards. Most importantly, it gave refugees and asylum seekers the opportunity to feel recognized, valued, and included. Many participants expressed their appreciation that this special day was dedicated to them and that their experiences had not been overlooked. 

Through these activities, World Refugee Day 2026 became more than a commemoration. It became a powerful reminder that every refugee has a story, every displaced person deserves dignity, and every society has a responsibility to protect those forced to flee. Behind every number stands a family escaping conflict, a child deprived of a home, a mother seeking safety for her children, or a young person hoping for a better future. 

JRS Macedonia calls upon governments, institutions, international organizations, and communities to continue investing in protection, support, and integration measures for refugees and forcibly displaced people. In a world increasingly affected by conflicts, instability, and humanitarian crises, solidarity must not be temporary. 

Humanity knows no borders. Every person deserves the right to safety, dignity, and hope. Supporting the most vulnerable remains a shared responsibility and a reflection of our common humanity.