On Thursday, June 19, 2025, the Catholic Center for Studies and Media (CCSM) in Jordan commemorated UN-observed World Refugee Day, in cooperation with Caritas Jordan and the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC).

The anniversary was held at Our Lady of Peace Center, which is affiliated with the Latin Patriarchate, in the presence of Latin Patriarchal Vicar  for Jordan Bishop Iyad Twal, Apostolic Nuncio to Jordan Bishop Giovanni Pietro Dal Toso, representatives of the Assembly of the Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land, as well as Christian and Muslim clergymen. 

Following the national anthem and musical performances by the Jordan  Armed Forces Band, CCSM Director Fr. Dr. Rif'at Bader lauded Jordan's remarkable and pioneering role over the past years with regards to hosting thousands of refugees and the forcibly displaced who found a warm embrace and welcoming arms that reflect the spirit of communication and well-coming. In this context, he referred to the apostolic encyclicals where Pope John Paul II referred to Jordan as a country of "hospitality and openness," while the late Pope Francis repeatedly paid tribute to His Majesty the King referring to him as "a man of peace" who strives to attain peace.

Fr. Bader commended His Majesty King Abdullah II's address he has delivered at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, stressing that Jordan's firm belief in shared human values ​​and its national principles--based on tolerance and mutual respect--have been the driving force behind the country of Baptism's conveyance of a noble humanitarian message by hosting refugees from 35 nationalities, in addition to His Majesty the King's continued calls for peace and stability in the region, because peace that is built on justice and respect for human dignity directly alleviates the problems forced by refugees as well as their suffering, by putting an end to violence and wars that forcibly displace people.

For his part, Program Manager in the AFSC Middle East Region Bilal Olimat recalled the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan's constant and honorable commitment to refugees. He said: "Jordan has always been a destination for the desperate and the oppressed, as well as a reliable humanitarian haven in a region plagued by instability. Over the past decades, the Kingdom has received waves of refugees from various places and offered them a warm embrace despite its limited resources and economic challenges." He also called on the international community to continue supporting Jordan in its humanitarian efforts and enabling so as to continue to play this noble role.

He added that Jordan, under its wise Hashemite leadership, has been a global model in responding to refugee crises, while dedicating the concepts of solidarity and compassion, as this was clearly demonstrated in its reaction to the humanitarian catastrophe facing Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which exacerbated by the ongoing aggression and the subsequent widespread destruction, comprehensive deterioration of basic needs of life, and the collapse of the humanitarian system. He emphasized that Gaza's suffering is a reminder of the prevailing relationship between human rights and human justice, as well as the need to attain a just and comprehensive peace that incorporates social and humanitarian dimensions.

A young refugee, Mohammad Ali Shihan, from the Azraq refugee camp for Syrians, delivered an address in which he expressed his deep gratitude to all the efforts exerted to listen to refugees. He said, "We have never been the makers of wars or conflicts. Taking refuge was never an option in our minds. It was rather the product of raging wars groaning with violence, persecution, hateful interests, and bullying. Overnight, we found ourselves outside our homeland. Despite this, we still hold hope because we have neither lost our faith in humanity, nor our hope for justice and security."

He added, "Yes, we are refugees, but we are human beings who have determination in our hearts, dedication to work, and ambition in our eyes." Pointing out that "no creature on Earth can choose one's name, color, nationality, religion, race, or language, he underlined the importance of rejecting hate speech and following the path of non-violence. He also stressed that true change does not come through conflict, but rather through cooperation, dialogue, and brotherhood.

The anniversary, moderated by Ms. Rania Dahabreh, included a documentary video film produced by the CCSM on the importance of commemorating World Refugee Day and its humanitarian message to today's world. Another video was also screened on Caritas on services provided to refugees over the past decades, along with an exhibition of refugee hand-made products in the Kingdom, particularly with Caritas Jordan and the Pontifical Mission for Palestine.