20 June 2018

World Refugee Day





In nature there are two approaches to dealing with flooding. One is to build a dam to stop the flow. The other is to find the right path to allow the flow to continue. Building a dam does not address the source of the flow – it would need to be built higher and higher, eventually holding back a massive volume. If a powerful flood were to occur, it could wipe out everything in its path. The nature of water is to flow. Human nature too seeks freedom and that human desire is stronger than any natural force.
 (. . .)
Establishing the understanding that we all belong to one humanity is the most essential step for how we might continue to coexist on this sphere we call Earth. I know what it feels like to be a refugee and to experience the dehumanisation that comes with displacement from home and country. There are many borders to dismantle, but the most important are the ones within our own hearts and minds – these are the borders that are dividing humanity from itself.

Ai Weiwei


World Refugee Day is held every year on the 20th of June to commemorate the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of refugees.


6 comments:

Colette said...

We all have so much to think about on this World Refugee Day.

37paddington said...

In America refugees are not welcome if their skin is brown. Thank you for your clear sighted comment on my post today. It shook me. As it should.

ellen abbott said...

I am ashamed at the dark turn America has taken. where we once welcomed all we now close our hearts, minds, and borders.

Anonymous said...

We are one species on one planet. When will we wake up? I'm worried, Sabine, I'm really worried.

am said...

"There are many borders to dismantle, but the most important are the ones within our own hearts and minds – these are the borders that are dividing humanity from itself."

Thank you for your voice, Sabine, and for the video and link to Ai Weiwei's voice. As of a few seconds ago, I'm 4th in line for the copy of "Human Flow" that is available at our public library. One of themes in Daša Drndić 's complex novel, Trieste, is that of the plight of refugees.

Joared said...

Thanks for sharing Weiwei’s words here.

I have a difficult time grasping what is happening in the world with regard to people relinquishing freedom and for what or why? In my own country, U.S., I hope many of my countrymen and women come to their senses in the voting booth, or to even makie the effort to vote, before it’s too late.