Why Ending War Is the Only Real Solution to Displacement
18th December 2025. Geneva, Switzerland, is an impressive international city. Especially now, before the Christmas holidays, the city, with its beauty, is an attraction for many tourists coming from around the world. Besides that, Geneva is full of luxury cars with “CD” plates, identifying diplomats running to various UN meetings, because Geneva is the second place after New York for United Nations institutions.
This week, a Review of the Global Refugee Forum has been organised by UNHCR, the humanitarian organisation of the United Nations. ADRA took part in it, and I had the privilege, together with four other colleagues, to represent ADRA there. Every four years, UNHCR organises an international forum where states, international institutions, humanitarian organisations, and corporations discuss challenges related to refugee movements, forced displacement, asylum, and statelessness. In the middle of such a forum period, a review of achievements is organised to see what has improved and where to go next. The participants report on the results of their commitments, so-called pledges, which describe financial, legal, or operational contributions to improve the conditions of those suffering under wars and political crises.
The statistics show that more than 117 million people are forcibly displaced from their homes today, often living in very difficult conditions, without perspective and hope for a normal life. Unfortunately, the number is increasing year by year. What has happened to us as humans, often proud of our civilisational achievements and new technologies? Why are we not able to stop all the violence around the globe, send people back home, and let them live a life of dignity again?
Life is short, and each of us deserves freedom and perspective! It is a paradox: there is enough money for weapons and arms to kill people, but not enough to supply refugees and displaced people with basic needs such as food, safe water, hygiene, medicine, and proper shelter. The entire humanitarian and development sector suffers from insufficient funding nowadays. How can we, as humankind, develop without solidarity and respect for each other? Stop the wars, stop the killing and the violence, and let the people go home! Let freedom rule, not hate!
The humanitarian workers do their very best to find ways to help refugees and displaced people; this was clearly shown at the conference. They coordinate their efforts, cooperate among various organisations, localise operations, involve refugees and host communities in planning, use new technology, lobby states and private businesses for funding, and demonstrate solidarity through action. All of this deserves high respect, and ADRA is part of it, serving in complex and difficult crises such as those in Ukraine, Russia, Yemen, Sudan, Congo, Uganda, Venezuela, Somalia, Myanmar, Thailand, Haiti, and many other countries. The Review of the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva demonstrates willingness and professionalism, but is this enough? If we, as humans, do not reflect and start to focus on values that protect life itself and make us human again, what will happen to us, to our children, to the next generations, to our civilisation? Does the gift of life—the greatest gift we possess—still count?
Wintertime in Europe is linked with long nights and darkness, but in the evening, lights shine everywhere, especially during the Christmas season. Lights that cut through the darkness and show the way; lights that bring Christmas beauty and emotion. Christmas reminds us of the time when Jesus Christ was born, and a bright star led the Wise Men from the East and local shepherds to Bethlehem to celebrate the newborn King—our Creator, who became human like you and me. His life became a light for millions of people throughout the centuries, and even today we celebrate His birth worldwide. He changed history, cut through the darkness, and brought light and everlasting hope to us.
Jesus Christ’s life is an inspiration for me. He preached and practised love, kindness, forgiveness, respect, compassion, and mercy. From Him, I learn not to give up, even in challenging times. We all can be light and hope to our families, neighbours, fellow citizens, refugees, minorities, children, the elderly, and so on—to all human beings around us—when we start reflecting on the purpose of life and decide not to give up. Life is a miracle. Life is a gift. And we have only one.
Therefore, stop hate speech, accusations, violence, and killing—and Let the People Go Home!
Thomas Petracek, Head of Programs, ADRA Europe