11M Displaced: 1 Man's Escape

In 1941, Nicolas Taptiklis fled Greece for his life as the Nazis swept through the country. He boarded a tiny boat with twelve others and crossed the Aegean Sea to Turkey, eventually finding safety in Syria. This journey was not unique, as around 11 million people were displaced in Germany after World War II, including Holocaust survivors, former prisoners of war, forced laborers, and others.

Nicolas Taptiklis's experience as a refugee had a profound impact on his life. After the war, he joined the UN Relief and Rehabilitation Administration, a precursor to the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. This organization was one of the first humanitarian agencies established after World War II, and it played a crucial role in providing aid to those affected by the war.

As a member of the UN Relief and Rehabilitation Administration, Nicolas Taptiklis worked in a camp in Göttingen, Germany, where he treated tuberculosis, typhoid, and other health issues. His work was a testament to the importance of providing support and protection to those who have been forced to flee their homes due to war and persecution.

## Why it matters The Refugee Convention, established in the aftermath of World War II, was designed to protect people like Nicolas Taptiklis, who were forced to flee their homes due to war and persecution. The convention recognized the rights of refugees and provided a framework for countries to provide them with protection and support. Today, the Refugee Convention remains an essential instrument for protecting the rights of refugees and asylum seekers around the world.

The story of Nicolas Taptiklis and the millions of others who were displaced during World War II serves as a reminder of the importance of defending the Refugee Convention. As the world continues to face new challenges and crises, it is essential that we remember the lessons of the past and continue to work towards providing protection and support to those who need it most.