Tomorrow June 20, 2018 is World Refugee Day! What is World Refugee Day?
World Refugee Day History
World Refugee Day is observed every year on 20th of June in order to raise public awareness about refugee situations throughout the world. Celebrating World Refugee Day annually on 20th of June was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in the Resolution 55/76 on 4th of December in 2000. And in 2001, it became an annual worldwide celebration.
Why World Refugee Day is Celebrated
World Refugee Day is celebrated every year on 20th of June to support millions of families all over the world who have lost their homes and dear ones because of violence or war. Today, more than 68 million people around the world are refugees or internally displaced as a result of conflict or persecution. That is equivalent to the population of the world’s 20th largest country.
World Refugee Day was established by the General Assembly of United Nations for the refugees to honor them for their courage in facing many challenges after losing their homes and the lives they had known due to conflict or violence and their contributions to their communities. World Refugee Day celebration provides an opportunity to all to help the refugees worldwide to rebuild their quality lives through different related activities.
As part of their relocation to their new land, refugees have historically been provided variety of lifesaving assistance, safety and protection by the government agencies and organizations. At the minimum, they are provided tents, shelter, living material supplies, and served with the life-saving services before their relocation. However, the courage it takes to leave everything behind and try to start over with basic necessities is tremendous.
The goal of celebrating this event is increasing awareness among the public by sharing related refugee stories. It is celebrated to remind people about the failures of international community or home conflicts which has forced so many families to leave their home and go to another place to save their life. People honor the spirit and courage of millions of refugees worldwide on World Refugee Day. It is also a day to recognize the contributions of refugees in their communities.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has taken big steps for immediate support to all the humanitarian needs of the refugees. To do this, the UN Refugee Agency launched the #WithRefugees petition in June 2016 to send a message to governments that they must work together and do their fair share for refugees as it requires actions by the governments and other private organizations on a national and regional level to fully address the refugees’ condition.
The #WithRefugees campaign expresses solidarity with people forced to flee and encourages governments to take action. When an individual signs the #WithRefugees petition, the person is asking governments to turn their commitments into action – and make sure the three petition asks become a reality:
- every refugee child gets an education
- every refugee family has somewhere safe to live
- every refugee can support their family and make a positive contribution to their community.
In a world where violence forces thousands of families to flee for their lives each day, the time is now to show that the global public stands with refugees.
Join Women Watch Afrika, Inc. and millions all over the globe in celebrating and recognizing the courage, strength, and resilience of refugees! Show your solidarity and take action.
For more information on World Refugee Day visit http://www.un.org/en/events/refugeeday/index.shtml
As an expert in this field, Women Watch Afrika provides trainings as a consultant on the issue. For more information on training, guidance, consulting services, and/or information on working with immigrant communities contact Glory Kilanko, Founder and Executive Director, Women Watch Afrika, Inc. at 404-759-6419 or womenwatchafrika@gmail.com
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Women Watch Afrika
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Avondale Estates, GA 30002
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