On Friday evening, the Government of Aruba lit several buildings in blue to mark World Refugee Day and show solidarity with refugees. According to Melvin Wyatt-Ras, Minister of Public Health, Social Affairs, Elderly Care, and Addiction Management, the government also met with the United Nations agency responsible for refugee matters, which has had an office in Aruba since 2018.
Aruba is home to a number of refugees, and the minister emphasized that the government has offered consistent and meaningful support. “It’s often a difficult situation when people are forced to leave their country in search of safety. We are providing that opportunity here,” she said.
She also noted that the government is working on legislation to regulate how the country supports refugees, ensuring that all relevant factors are taken into account.
A global challenge
“The situation of refugee children is especially important. Every child has rights and deserves protection, but clear regulations are needed as well,” Wyatt-Ras explained. She added that the refugee crisis is a global problem. Conflicts, wars, natural disasters, and poverty continue to displace people worldwide.
“Many families have no choice but to leave everything behind—sometimes because of political instability that undermines their wellbeing. Refugees are a reality here in Aruba too, and it’s a challenge the whole world is facing,” said the minister. “That’s why it’s so important to show solidarity, understanding, and awareness. We must help our community become more accepting and supportive.”
Family is the foundation of development
The minister highlighted the vital role of family in providing stability. “We can’t close our eyes to the world around us—we all need each other. A local teacher recently shared a story about a student named Angel. Despite arriving in Aruba with his parents under difficult circumstances, he excelled at school. He was able to succeed thanks to the strength and support of his family.”
Minister Wyatt-Ras concluded by emphasizing that families are the foundation of all development, and the government fully supports that idea. “Our community still upholds strong values. Even though we’ve become more individualistic over time, there’s still a deep sense of mutual support and solidarity. That shared commitment to helping one another is what makes our small island truly strong.”
