It takes a lot of courage to pack a few things to embark on a journey that promises to secure the most basic human right: life. This is what thousands of refugees who arrived in Ecuador in search of a place to rebuild their lives, away from violence, had to do.

Since 2001, UNHCR and the world have celebrated World Refugee Day as a reminder that we still have a long way to go so that no one has to flee their country because their lives are in danger. This task is getting longer and longer due to countless circumstances that disturb peace and security.

An example of this is the experience of Arlyn, a Colombian woman. Not only did she have to flee armed conflict in her country, but she also had to survive the violence of her romantic partner. After arriving in Cuenca, she found hope in the Casa María Amor hostel, where she became an enterprising, creative and cheerful woman. With more than ten years of work to help as many survivors of violence as possible, she continues to be sure that solidarity is key to changing the lives of women who, like her, have seen love turn into blows and praise into insults.

UNHCR has supported Ecuador’s efforts to provide asylum to refugees since 2000. Historically, more than 74,000 people have been recognized as refugees, and more than 500,000 refugees and migrants from Venezuela have found a place to start their lives in Ecuador. Ecuador and its citizens have confirmed their solidarity with people fleeing their countries, promoting that they can meet their basic needs and their integration into host communities.

Protecting refugees means receiving them with empathy. Solidarity does not require laws or complex integration strategies; It is enough to listen to them, evaluate their work, recognize their experiences and great potential. Throughout history, Ecuador has been a country of solidarity with refugees, always keeping its doors open to welcome them with respect and empathy.

Refugees can contribute to Ecuador’s economic development. For this reason, it is necessary to enable their integration and access to different possibilities. In this sense, it is important to highlight the process of registration and legalization carried out by the state of Ecuador. With it, around 200,000 refugees and migrants have the possibility to regulate their status in the country. Access to this type of documentation, a fundamental right, gives them the opportunity to find a dignified and stable job, access to social security, register a business and thereby contribute to the development of the country through paying taxes. and creating a source of employment.

On this World Refugee Day, UNHCR wants to knock on the doors of Ecuadorians and invite them to join efforts that include refugees in all spheres of society. We hope that on this day we will all come together so that refugees can find hope far from their homeland. (OR)