Tokyo 2020: UNHRC Sends Best Wishes To First Official Refugee Paralympic Team

Ahead of the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, UNHCR have sent its best wishes to the first official Refugee team participating in the Paralympic Games.

New Delhi: A special Refugee Paralympic Team consisting of six refugee and asylee Paralympic athletes, previously the Independent Paralympic Athletes Team, who represent the estimated 82 million refugees in the entire world, are all set to participate in the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Japan's Tokyo from August 24 to September 5, 2021.

The first-ever refugee Paralympic team had made its debut at the 2016 Rio Games. The Refugee Paralympic Team participating in Olympic Games 2020 in Tokyo is three times larger than the team of refugee athletes that took part in Rio 2016 Games.

In a modern world separated by borders, some unlucky souls are forced to carry out migration under extreme pressure to escape violence, horrific persecutions and sometimes extreme poverty. Thus, some really talented individuals. Escaping their hometown in hope for a better world or society are tagged as 'refugees'.

On Tuesday, ahead of the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, UNHCR have sent its best wishes to the first official Refugee team participating in the Paralympic Games.

“It’s with enormous joy that I cheer on the Refugee Paralympic Team in the Opening Ceremony and throughout the competitions,” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi. “Their presence on the world stage at this Paralympic Games marks a historic moment of representation for over 12 million displaced people living with a disability around the world.”

“Those displaced who are living with a disability can be at heightened risk of discrimination, violence, and exploitation,” added Grandi. “Despite these immense challenges, refugees living with disabilities are agents for positive change and leaders in their communities, including in the field of Para-sport. They deserve equal access and opportunities to excel.  I will be proudly cheering for the Refugee Paralympic Team as they inspire the world with their perseverance and talent.”