Happy WORLD REFUGEE DAY!

World Refugee Day History

On December 4, 2000, the United Nations General Assembly declared (in Resolution 55/76) that World Refugee Day would be celebrated annually on 20th of June. And in 2001, it became an annual worldwide celebration.  Since 2001, the United Nations and more than 100 countries have observed World Refugee Day annually.

World Refugee Day is commemorated every year 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 79 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 and to show the world that we Stand With Refugees.

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 day is increasing awareness among the public by sharing related refugee stories or messages of Solidarity.  The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees started the #WithRefugees petition to send a message of action, solidarity, and responsibility on behalf of refugees to governments worldwide.   Together, we can work to end the refugee crisis and find homes for displaced peoples worldwide.

Additionally, this day serves as a reminder of the failures of the international community or home conflicts which has forced so many families to leave their home and go to another place to save their lives.

While honoring the spirit and courage of millions of refugees worldwide on World Refugee Day, this is also an opportunity to recognize the contributions and positive impact of refugees in their communities.

To commemorate World Refugee Day 2020, Women Watch Afrika and its Partners in the Southern Movement Assembly (SMA) put together a Recording explaining the History of World Refugee and sharing the Solidarity Messages for 2020 here: WWA and Partners World Refugee Day 2020 Commemoration

See Women Watch Afrika’s 2015 World Refugee Day Introduction Video below to learn new facts and information and World Refugee Day:

 

Lastly, you can also visit http://southtosouth.org/refugeeday for Women Watch Afrika’s posted history of World Refugee Day on the SMA website.

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.

How You Can Help and Participate:

1. Share this article on Facebook or Twitter to spread the word about the millions of refugees that need support.

2. Include refugee issues in every conversation/program because refugee issues cut across education, environment, economic, political, war/crisis, or natural
disaster.

3. Take 5,000 Steps in honor of Refugees and post a record of your steps to Facebook and Twitter with the hashtags #WithRefugees #WorldRefugeeDay #WomenWatchAfrika.  You can complete this goal between June 20 to June 22nd.

4. Make a donation to support the work of Women Watch Afrika in protecting and defending refugees at: https://womenwatchafrika.org/donate/

5.  Create a welcoming space for refugees and immigrants in your community.

 

 

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