By: Karen Velazquez

On August 22, 2025, Iryna Zarutska, a 23 year-old Ukrainian refugee who fled the war brought by Russia’s invasion, was fatally stabbed while riding a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Her life was a portrait of resilience: escaping bombings in Kyiv, working in her American community, studying, and dreaming of her future. On a regular evening that life was cut short by random, senseless violence.

This tragedy highlights not only individual loss, but the deep humanitarian consequences of ongoing conflict and how war spreads its damage far beyond battlefields. Millions are forced to flee, rebuild, or live in precarious limbo. According to UNHCR’s latest report, over 123 million people worldwide are now forcibly displaced due to war, violence, and persecution. (UNHCR)

Many of those displaced are children, families, and elders. They are people whose only wrong was being born into conflict. Empathy toward people fleeing war is not optional, it is essential. These are lives in transit often without guarantee of safety, rights, or a place to call home.

Unfortunately, existing political barriers make international responses an unnecessarily lengthy process. At the United Nations, the Security Council’s veto structure often blocks direct, decisive action even when lives hang in the balance. The failure to secure broad cooperation delays humanitarian aid, justice, and protection. Without reform, including limiting or moderating the power of veto, impediments remain to meaningful global responses. (See WFM-Canada’s position on UN Reform.) 

Call to Action

We must act. Here’s how you can help:

• Write to your local MP or government representative: urge them to support policies that protect refugees, fund humanitarian assistance, and push for UN reform.

• Volunteer with WFM-C: lend your time and energy to support displaced people, educate your community, and push for systemic change.

• Donate to WFM-Canada: our work defending human rights, promoting empathy, reforming international institutions depends on your support.

In honour of Iryna’s memory, and in service of all who seek safety and dignity, let’s reaffirm our commitment to global solidarity, justice, and compassion. For more information on International Migration, visit the United Nations website.