Every June 20th marks World Refugee Day, a day promoted by the United Nations to honor the strength, resilience, and courage of millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, natural disasters, or economic crises. This year’s theme is solidarity with refugees, a call to stand together with those who have been displaced, to recognize their rights, and to support efforts that restore their dignity and hope. In addition, it is a time to reflect on one of the greatest humanitarian crises of our time, but also an opportunity to highlight initiatives that embody active solidarity. One such initiative is Zaporeak, a Basque project that brings dignity and food to refugees.
Zaporeak, which means “flavors” in Basque, was founded in 2012 by the Intxaurrondo Gastronomic Group with the aim of developing initiatives that combine solidarity and gastronomy. Their first project was launched in Wukro, Ethiopia, in collaboration with Father Ángel Olaran. After several years supporting that initiative, in 2016 they began providing aid to refugees fleeing the war in Syria who had become stranded in Greece. That year, they traveled to the island of Lesbos, one of the main entry points to Europe for those fleeing war and poverty, with a large group of volunteers to cook and distribute food among the refugee population. Since then, they have been serving over 2,000 hot meals daily and addressing other basic needs of people living in inhumane conditions.
In times when the dominant coercive discourse tends to dismiss volunteer work as boring and submissive, Zaporeak demonstrates that the true pillar and driving force of the organization is, in fact, its volunteers. The work they carry out both in the Basque Country and in the refugee camps is the very heart of this project. To date, according to their website, more than 700 people have dedicated their name and skills to the organization.
World Refugee Day reminds us that no one chooses to be a refugee, and that behind every statistic are personal stories of pain, hope, and perseverance. Initiatives like Zaporeak show that the response to this crisis cannot rely solely on institutions or politics—it must also come from civil society, driven by empathy, commitment, and action.
In a world where hate speech and border closures are gaining ground, Zaporeak stands as an ethical resistance: a belief that every human being has the right to a dignified life, to a warm meal, and to a smile. This June 20th, supporting projects like this is a concrete way to turn solidarity into action.
Editor of Daily 27.
Predoctoral researcher at the Department of Sociology in University of Barcelona.