Happy World Refugee Day!
Happy World Refugee Day! Women Watch Afrika celebrates the Courage, Strength, and Resilience of all refugees, asylees, and displaced persons.
Do you know what June 20th is? It’s World Refugee Day! A day observed every year in order to raise Public Awareness about the conditions and situations that refugees face in their lives throughout the world, while also celebrating the Courage and Resilience of Refugees.
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 114 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.
It is a difficult situation to have to start one’s life and livelihood all over, especially in a new land, it is made more incredibly difficult when situations like violence, war, famine, persecution, etc., forces one away from the land and life one once knew. Refugees, asylees, and displaced persons lose their homes and many times their loved ones and have to start over with bare necessities. Women Watch Afrika salutes you and we stand with you.
The theme for World Refugee Day 2024 is “Solidarity with Refugees”
Every refugee should be welcomed and treated with dignity regardless of their birthplace, origin, race or religion. After being forced to start over, Solidarity is a powerful embrace and form of support.
#SolidaritywithRefugees #StandWithRefugees #WorldRefugeeDay #WomenWatchAfrika
How You Can Help and Participate:
1. Share this article https://womenwatchafrika.org/2024/world-refugee-day-2024/ on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram 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 #SolidaritywithRefugees You can complete this goal between June 20 – 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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As an expert in this field, Women Watch Afrika provides trainings as a consultant on numerous issues. For more information on training, guidance, consulting services, and/or information on working with immigrant communities contact Glory Kilanko, Founder and CEO, Women Watch Afrika, Inc. at 404-759-6419 or womenwatchafrika@gmail.com
About Women Watch Afrika:
Women Watch Afrika is a grassroots, nonprofit, international, national, and local social justice organization focused on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and girls, the promotion of social and economic development and health equity of women, and the acculturation of immigrants and refugees (men and women) arriving to the United States from 23 African nations.
In line with its goal, Women Watch Afrika provides Social Services, Legal Services, Advocacy, Health Education, Legal Education, End Domestic Violence classes, Stop FGM/C workshops, Reproductive Rights Education, Know Your Rights workshops, Citizenship Preparation, Civic Engagement; and Advocates against unjust, discriminatory laws that affect the community.
Website: https://womenwatchafrika.org/ Tel: 404-759-6419
Twitter: @WomenWatchAfri Facebook: @WomenWatchAfrika
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