World Refugee Day celebrates the courage and bravery of refugees and promotes public understanding of and support for those who have been forced to escape their homes due to conflict or natural disaster. It’s a day assigned by the United Nations to recognise and honor refugees all around the world.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres reiterated that “People escaping violence or persecution must be able to cross borders safely. They must not face discrimination at borders or be unfairly denied refugee status or asylum due to their race, religion, gender, or country of origin.

The people of Southern Cameroon were forced to flee their homes sometimes in the midst of darkness to safety in neighboring countries due to the persecution that came their way from the Republic of Cameroon. Southern Cameroonians sought for their basic rights to education, equality, social amenities, infrastructure and respect as a people but were met with military action. What started as a peaceful march by teachers and lawyers escalated to the death of thousands including children and the displacement of much more.

The Southern Cameroonian people have been subject to targeted and mass killings, pilaging and burning of whole villages, mass incarceration and much more. A request for basic freedoms of the people was seen and taken out of proportion by the government and was met with catastrophic reactions which are ongoing till this day which has turned the people into refugees.

Fleeing in every direction, Southern Cameroonians now find themselve scattered across the globe and miles away from their beloved motherland. Kudos to countries such as Nigeria, the United States and other countries for housing and providing a sustainable environment for Southern Cameroonians. Honorary mention to the United Kingdom kept her doors open for Southern Cameroonians as well as made efforts to mediate for a peaceful resolution in the crisis that plagues the blessed Southern Cameroon. The UK has continuously provided shelter as is evident with the presence of the SCNC – Southern Cameroon National Council.

As we celebrate the World Refugee Day, the SCNC UK continues to be gracious to our hosts and continue to look forward to the day our country will be back to her best and hospitable enough for us, once again ensuring and providing institutions and infrastructures to guarantee our rights as a people and uphold our freedoms as citizens.

Author: Richard Ashu Taku