The essentials of a dignified life today are widely accepted to include food, shelter, education, healthcare, and safety. These are considered the basis for human survival. Yet what we often overlook is that “essentials” are not fixed; they shift depending on where we are, and sometimes, who we are.
This becomes clear when we compare stable societies with refugee communities. In the former, necessities are often taken for granted. Over time, needs evolve—towards freedom of expression, creativity, personal growth, and fulfillment. In refugee communities, however, needs multiply in proportion to loss. Refugees long for a home, memories, school, protection, and the dream of a future, a need that only genuine human solidarity can fulfill, restoring a sense of reassurance to the spirit.
This reality reminds us of a core principle in humanitarian work: the distinction between meeting basic needs and rebuilding the human spirit. Dignity, respect, and self-determination can take precedence over food or shelter. The need is not just to survive, but to feel alive.
Without dignity, even food and medicine lose meaning. Aid must preserve self-respect and empower people as active participants in rebuilding their lives.Genuine solidarity is not measured solely by what we provide, but by what we help keep alive within the individual.
What keeps someone truly alive is not just bread and water, but passion, decision-making, expression, and the ability to dream. That’s why at The Big Heart Foundation, we affirm that refugees are not a “special case.” Our mission goes beyond physical needs—we must support to keep their spirit alive and their future is theirs to shape.
We must move past viewing refugees solely as victims. Their needs extend beyond survival to all that gives life meaning. When dignity is restored, aid becomes partnership. Shelter becomes a home. The refugee becomes the architect of their future.
Guided by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, and supported by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi,Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation, we put dignity at the heart of our work. We ask ourselves: Have we listened? Have we preserved dignity? Have we made space for individuals to lead?
On World Refugee Day, our message is clear: let us redefine solidarity. Let us make dignity a measure of success. Because without dignity, a person cannot rise—and if we strip it from others, we lose our own humanity.
