However, growing up as an adult and only to come to the reality that one or more of your family has fled war or violence, is the worst experience one could ever imagine.
Around the globe thousands of people are always on the move for a variety of reasons.
The latest UNHCR’s report on global trends and statistics on refugees, asylum seekers, internationally displaced and statelessness people stands at 108.4 million worldwide. Low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) host 76% of the world's refugees and people in need of international protection, yet these countries have the least resources to manage the needs of refugees.
It is important to always remind ourselves of the protections for refugees as enshrined in the Convention and Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, adopted in 1951.
Forced displacement continues to increase in 2023 with the recent conflict in Sudan alone, which has already seen 378, 000 people fleeing to neighbouring countries.
Sadly, refugees face one of the most unfortunate and traumatic experiences imaginable.
From economic situation, education, agriculture and even integration in host communities just to name a few, are all factors that make the management of refugees ever-more delicate and challenging.
It was in the news that The Gambia on Tuesday joined the rest of the globe to celebrate the 2023 World Refugee Day.
The theme for this year's event was “Solutions for Refugees and the Power of Inclusion”.
The day therefore is a moment to reflect on the plight of millions of people who are seeking refuge outside their home countries.
This year’s theme wasn't just apt in line with broader objectives, but also a challenge to all especially the international community to amplify efforts and the need to better the condition of refugees globally.
However, as rightly stated by officials, the celebration of the day demonstrates the strong bond of the partnership and support that exist between the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and other development partners in their drive to making refugees in the country feel at home since their arrival in The Gambia.
To the host communities, let's always open our door to Refugee communities. There is a saying that 'there is no place like home'. Some of these refugees are forced to flee from conflicts that they had no idea about.
We also call on political actors to always put the interest of the population first above self. Let them create an enabling environment by creating better opportunities for the citizen rather than orchestrating conflicts that would result to loss of lives and displacement of innocent people.