Rama Anthony, Country-Director for Tearfund South Sudan. | Photo credit: Unkown

The Country Director of Tearfund South Sudan – a religious charity organization, is encouraging refugees to make best use of opportunities at their disposal to improve their livelihoods.

Rama Anthony made the remarks as South Sudan celebrates World Refugee Day under the theme: “Hope away from home.”

South Sudan is hosting thousands of refugees from Sudan, Ethiopia, DR Congo, and Burundi among others.

The head of the faith-based organization also called on communities hosting refugees to cooperate with them and live in harmony.

In an exclusive interview with Eye Radio, Rama said refugees are equal to every person in the society.

“Being a refugee is not the end of everything. Our hope is that, as Tearfund, a refugee can start livelihood again and live a meaningful live,” he said.

“I want to encourage the refugees to be hopeful, that they can start livelihood again, and I encourage them to take every opportunity that is available to them to make the best use of it to improve their lives.”

Each year on June 20, the world celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.

Established on 20 June 2001, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, the day is designed to celebrate and honor refugees from around the world.