Today we raise our voice from the GRACE Foundation: Give Refugees a Chance, with a message filled with solidarity and hope amidst the challenges we face as a society. As a Venezuelan and an advocate for the rights of migrants, refugees, and individuals in situations of human mobility in Ecuador, my heart is filled with deep concern for the recent wave of violence that has arisen in our beloved Ecuador following the tragic assassination of journalist and presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.
As refugees and migrants, we have chosen Ecuador as our home. We have shared our stories and found refuge in this welcoming land. We are part of this community and share moments of joy and our challenges. Insecurity, violence, and the decline of democracy do not discriminate; they affect everyone equally, regardless of our nationality.
I call for unity and empathy. In times of uncertainty, we must remember that we all seek a safe place for our families and yearn for peace and progress. We must come together as a community to face these challenges together. We must vehemently reject violence and xenophobia and tirelessly work towards building the generous and peaceful Ecuador that we know.
From the GRACE Foundation, we will continue to work towards promoting integration and equality. It is time to build bridges instead of walls, to open our hearts rather than close our minds. We will seek solutions that benefit everyone through collaboration with our authorities, community leaders, and all of you.
Prudence and respect must prevail in every interaction we have. Every smile, every kind word, every act of support matters. Together, we can be a beacon of hope.
From the GRACE Foundation, we extend our commitment to continue working for an Ecuador where everyone feels valued and protected.
With gratitude and hope,
Karla Sánchez Arismendi
Director, GRACE Foundation: Give Refugees a Chance
Cuenca, Ecuador.
Karla Sanchez Arismendi: karla@giverefugeesachance.org 095 920 4786. Call after: 9 AM.
City: Cuenca
