India, June 29 -- It is 'World Refugee Day' once again! It is a day on which all of us are called to remember and to honour the strength, courage and resilience of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. The day is important because it shines a light on the rights, needs, and dreams of refugees, and helps mobilise political will and resources so refugees can not only survive but thrive. This special day was first established on June 20, 2001, to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.

The Refugee Convention was adopted on July 28, 1951, with some 20 nations as original signatories. So this year marks its 75th year! Today, 149 countries have...