World Refugee Day June 20th

I just received my invitation from USA for UNHCR in the mail, booked my flight and hotel and am super excited about being part of such a special event. It also reminded me to share with my readers some information about the World Refugee Day and why it is important that we do not forget those les fortunate than us.

Afghan returnee children can now study after dark thanks to electricity generated by micro hydro projects. UNHCR/R.Arnold/September 2008

The United Nations General Assembly designated June 20 as World Refugee Day to recognize and celebrate the contribution of refugees throughout the world. Since then, World Refugee Day has become an annual commemoration marked by a variety of events in over a hundred countries.

This year’s World Refugee Day theme is “Real People, Real Needs”. Despite the efforts of many, the needs of refugees worldwide are far from being met. Behind the unmet needs are not just numbers but real people with real stories.

Events

From June 18-20 the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) will commemorate World Refugee Day for the ninth consecutive year in Washington, DC, in order to draw the public’s attention to the millions of refugees world-wide who are forced to flee their homes. We are again partnering with well-respected institutions to broaden our outreach and encourage even greater public participation in the celebration of World Refugee Day. Together with the National Geographic Museum and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Millennium Stage, UNHCR will sponsor events to highlight this year’s World Refugee Day theme, “Real People, Real Needs.”

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Please join us at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Millennium Stage on Saturday, June 20, for a special World Refugee Day performance. A special performance by Samba Mapangala & Virunga, Congolese and East African music. Free and open to the public.

World Refugee Day partners:

No Free Parking for Free Events