The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) released Global Trends 2025 in June, reporting that 123.2 million people around the world are currently forcibly displaced due to conflict, persecution, violence and human rights violations.
This staggering figure consists of unique individuals, each with their own story—people who have lost homes and loved ones, who have fled into uncertainty and who strive to survive and hold on to hope against overwhelming odds.
Since 2017, the Soka Gakkai Peace Committee has hosted a series of refugee film screenings in Japan. These grassroots events aim to shine a light on the lives behind the statistics and offer participants a space to reflect on what actions they themselves can take for the sake of humanity. The initiative seeks to nurture awareness, build solidarity and inspire small but meaningful acts of compassion.
In April 2025, the Peace Committee showed the film I Shall Not Hate that portrays the life and struggles of a Palestinian gynecologist from the Jabalia refugee camp. In parallel, the Committee signed a joint statement calling for urgent diplomatic and humanitarian action in Gaza, reaffirming its solidarity with communities in crisis.
“Your Everyday Life Is Our Dream” — A Message from Palestine
On 3 April 2025, the Peace Committee held its 10th screening event in Tokyo, which focused on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The featured film, I Shall Not Hate, documents the life of Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, a Palestinian gynecologist from the Jabalia refugee camp. Despite the tragic loss of his daughters and relatives during the conflict, Dr. Abuelaish continues to advocate for forgiveness and peaceful coexistence.
The screening was followed by an online talk with Mizuho Osawa of the Japan International Volunteer Center (JVC), who provided historical and current insights into the Gaza crisis. She conveyed a heartfelt message from the people of Palestine:
“What you can do as a normal part of your life—this is our dream.”
Osawa urged participants not to view Palestinians solely as victims, but as people of great strength and resilience who support each other and uphold their communities even in the most difficult times. She called on attendees to stand up for justice and fairness.
Approximately 220 people participated in the event. Comments from participants reflected a deep sense of empathy and renewed determination:
- “Today, I realized how many people live in conditions where even survival is uncertain. I want to think seriously about what I can do to help.”
- “Regardless of religion, belief or ethnicity, every life matters. Inspired by Dr. Abuelaish, who continues to move forward despite his loss, I want to dedicate myself to peace and never give up.”
A Continued Pledge to Raise Awareness
UNHCR is calling on organizations worldwide to make pledges that advance the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees and address the needs of both displaced persons and host communities.
The Soka Gakkai’s ongoing efforts—including these refugee film screenings—have been officially registered as part of this global initiative. We remain committed to amplifying underreported humanitarian crises and deepening public understanding through dialogue and education.
Calling for Humanitarian Assistance for Gaza
In June 2025, the Soka Gakkai Peace Committee signed a joint call to confront imminent risk of famine in Gaza by urging the immediate deployment of a Diplomatic Humanitarian Convoy. This call had already been endorsed by well over a thousand humanitarian, human rights and civil society organizations worldwide, including voices from Palestinian civil society.
