URUGUAY. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) inaugurated the ‘Hope Away from Home’ photo exhibition at Carrasco International Airport on 24 June.
As part of a joint initiative between UNHCR and Corporación América Airports, the exhibition aims to raise awareness of forced displacement worldwide and will be displayed for a month and replicated at airports across Argentina.
The exhibition, launched in commemoration of World Refugee Day (20 June) with the support of Aeropuertos Uruguay, was attended by organisation officials, Aeropuertos Uruguay executives, diplomats and civil society representatives.
According to UNHCR’s latest Global Trends Report (published on 13 June), the number of people facing forced displacement has reached 120 million. Ongoing conflicts such as those in Sudan, Armenia and Myanmar are causing new displacements and require urgent solutions.
The exhibition features a selection of photographs that reflect the realities of many refugees around the world and highlight the resilience and diversity of those seeking safety. Aimed at generating empathy and understanding, the photos highlight refugees’ stories and contributions in the communities that host them.
UNHCR Regional Representative for South America Karmen Sakhr said: “For UNHCR, collaboration with the private sector is key to advancing innovative and sustainable solutions that address the impact of forced displacement.
“This action with Corporación América Airports is an example of how the private sector can play a crucial role in raising awareness and pormoting solidarity.”
She concluded by expressing that Uruguay is a beacon of hope for forcibly displaced people in the region.
During the launch, UNHCR formally presented recognition to national authorities as a token of gratitude for the recently adopted measures aimed at seeking durable solutions for refugees and migrants residing in Uruguay.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of the Refugee Commission Nicolás Albertoni called for joint work with international organisations to provide refugees with a quality life. He said: “I wish to congratulate the UNHCR on its work which through this exhibition allows us to empathise with people who are far from their home and are trying to make Uruguay their own home.
“Uruguay has been part of international treaties on asylum and refuge. The latest numbers show that there have been about 26,000 asylum seekers – a figure that continues to grow.”
Director of Migration Eduardo Mata Castro referred to the importance of considering human mobility in a regional context and said: “In search of solutions, we have understood the situations in which people live.
“We are sensitive to this issue and are concerned about the reasons for these migrations, when the countries of origin do not provide the necessary conditions for their population to stay or when they come from countries ravaged by natural disasters.”
He also expressed his hope to work together with international organisations to reach their goals of offering solutions to the migrant population. ✈️
