VOA常速英语2017--6月20日-世界难民日（在线收听）

On June 20th, we observe World Refugee Day. It is an occasion to highlight the plight of refugees around the world, commend their resilience, and express gratitude to their hosts.

6月20日，我们纪念世界难民日。在这一天，我们着重强调全世界难民所遭受的苦难，我们赞扬他们的顽强，同时也向收留他们的国家表示感谢。

According to the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees, a refugee is someone who, "owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country." In 2016, the world's refugee population topped 22 million, more than ever before.

根据1951年《关于难民地位的公约》的定义，难民就是“因自身种族、宗教、国际、所隶属的某个特殊社会团体、所持有的某种政见而担心受到迫害，故而远离本国，不能或者处于害怕的原因而不想受该国保护的人。”2016年，全球难民人数超过2200万，这是史无前例的。

The displaced come from all walks of life, singly and in families, across a wide spectrum of ethnic, religious, economic and educational backgrounds. But they have one thing in common: all have been forced from their homes and homelands. They flee to escape persecution or violent conflict, including terrorism. Often, people flee because their towns have been turned into battlefields and staying means nearly certain death.

这些流离失所的难民来自各个阶层，有独身逃亡的，也有携家带口的，他们有不同的种族、宗教、经济、教育背景。但他们有一个共同点：都是被迫背井离乡的。他们逃亡是为了躲避迫害或暴力冲突（包括恐怖主义）。很多情况下，难民逃亡是因为自己的家乡变成了战场，留下来几乎是必死无疑的。

This is a global crisis that is affecting more men, women, and children than ever before and for longer and longer periods of time.

难民危机是全球性的危机，它正以前所未有的方式影响着越来越多的人，并且这种影响是不容易消除的。

As we observe World Refugee Day, we are reminded that as long as violence and persecution continue, there will be a pressing need for comprehensive humanitarian action and a global response. That is why the United States is proud to continue its leadership in providing humanitarian aid around the world. This life-saving assistance protects refugees, feeds those who might otherwise starve, shelters those who would otherwise be exposed to the elements, and ensures access to safe clean water and basic healthcare.

我们纪念世界难民日之际，也意识到，只要暴力和迫害存在，我们就急需全面的人道主义行动和全球性的响应。这也是美国为自己继续领导各国在全球范围内提供人道主义援助而感到自豪的原因。这种人道主义援助的作用生死攸关，它能够保护难民，为那些可能因为没饭吃而死的人提供粮食，为那些可能无家可归的人提供避难所，确保难民能喝到安全干净的水，并能够获得医疗服务。

As U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley wrote in the Wall Street Journal, we are committed to easing the suffering of Syrian refugees and supporting the countries that host them. In the face of dire needs, horrible violence, and unbearable persecution, our commitment to the world's most vulnerable people remains a critical component of U.S. policy.

正如美国驻联合国大使妮基在《华尔街日报》中所写的那样，我们致力于减轻叙利亚难民所受的苦难，支持收留他们的国家。在粮食紧缺、暴力和迫害肆虐的情况下，我们会为这个最脆弱的人群服务，这将依然是美国政策的重要组成部分。