Protecting refugees: a legacy from World War II
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Nicolas Taptiklis fled Greece during World War II, escaping Nazi occupation by boat to Turkey and then finding safety in Syria.
His experiences shaped his life and led him to work with the UN Relief and Rehabilitation Administration after the war, providing medical care to displaced people in Germany.
The widespread displacement following WWII, around 11 million people, prompted the creation of the 1951 Refugee Convention, which defined refugee status and established state responsibilities to protect those fleeing war and persecution. The Convention aimed to prevent the suffering seen during the war, when people were turned away from safety and left in camps. Over the last 75 years, this agreement has offered protection to millions.
However, the author warns that rising xenophobia, shrinking humanitarian aid, and weakening international cooperation now threaten the Convention’s principles. As leaders gather at the United Nations General Assembly, the author urges them to reaffirm their commitment to protecting refugees and supporting agencies like UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Protecting refugees strengthens communities, reduces instability, and ultimately creates a safer world for everyone, mirroring the compassion Taptiklis received and dedicated his life to providing.
