On the occasion of World Refugee Day, Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi reaffirm that “solidarity stands as a vital expression of shared European values, as conflicts and persecution continue to force millions from their homes”. “Protecting those who have no choice but to flee violence and persecution is both a moral duty and a legal obligation”, said Secretary General Berset. “This obligation is embedded in international and European law – from the 1951 Refugee Convention to the case-law of the European Court of Human Rights. Our steadfast commitment to these principles is what unites the Council of Europe and will continue to shape Europe’s democratic future”. Berset and Grandi jointly said: “Our message is clear: solidarity, human rights, and practical cooperation must guide Europe’s response to displacement, now and in the years to come”.