Japan has committed to providing approximately $3 million to a global fund dedicated to offering education to refugees. This pledge comes as Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa promises further support for displaced individuals amidst the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip.
During the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, Kamikawa emphasized the need for a more future-oriented, medium- to long-term approach in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. She stated, “We cannot significantly improve the situation by merely providing food, water, and shelter to vulnerable people.”
The Japanese Foreign Ministry has announced that the contribution to “Education Cannot Wait” will be utilized to support children in Ukraine, a country that has been under invasion by Russia since February 2022. Kamikawa highlighted Japan’s commitment to helping refugees and displaced individuals achieve independence through education and vocational training.
“Japan is helping refugees and displaced persons become independent through education and vocational training. We strongly encourage them to develop their abilities so they can contribute to peace and reconstruction at home,” Kamikawa remarked during her speech at the forum.
The current gathering of the international forum for refugees is taking place against the backdrop of escalating hostilities between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, as well as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These events have raised concerns about a potential increase in the global refugee population.
Leaders, ministers from various countries, and representatives of international institutions are participating in the three-day meeting, which is being hosted by the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees and Switzerland.
Kamikawa acknowledged that countries hosting refugees are facing challenges in managing the sustained forced displacements occurring worldwide. She reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to alleviating the pressure on these host countries.
It is important to note that Japan has a historically strict refugee policy, with only 1,117 individuals being recognized as refugees by 2021 out of 91,664 applicants since the inception of its refugee status recognition program in 1982.
The Global Refugee Forum, recognized as the world’s largest multinational conference on refugees, held its inaugural meeting in 2019 in the Swiss city, according to the Office of the UNHCR.
© KYODO
