World Refugee Day is coming up fast! On June 20th, people around the world will honor and acknowledge refugees. But first, here is more information about what World Refugee Day is, and how you can take part.
What is World Refugee Day?
For years, many countries and regions have been holding their own Refugee Days and even Refugee Weeks. One of the most widespread is Africa Refugee Day, which is celebrated on 20 June in several countries.
The UN General Assembly, on December 4th, 2000, adopted resolution 55/76 where it noted that 2001 marked the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, and that the Organization of African Unity (OAU) had agreed to have International Refugee Day coincide with Africa Refugee Day on June 20th. The General Assembly therefore decided that, from 2001, June 20th would be celebrated as World Refugee Day.
This year, World Refugee Day is especially meaningful as we are now celebrating the 60th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. This is the key legal document in defining who is a refugee, their rights and the legal obligations of states. Learn more about the 60th Anniversary at UNHCR.org.
What are “Do 1 Thing” and “1 is too many?”
UNHCR foresees a future where the forcibly displaced live freely in safety and dignity as they reestablish their places in the world. There are no acceptable degrees of mistreatment or tolerable levels of suffering. Even one is too many.
That’s why we are launching a global call to action: Do 1 thing. Because change starts with a simple action, we are asking you to take the first step in making our world a better place for refugees.
- Do 1 thing: Show your Support with a Blue Key
- Do 1 thing: Connect with USA for UNHCR online
- Do 1 thing: Subscribe to Blue Key Blog updates
- Do 1 thing: Give hope to refugees. Donate Now.
What happens on World Refugee Day in the USA?
Every year, people across the United States use World Refugee Day as a focus for raising awareness and funds in their own communities to gather support for UNHCR’s urgent work. And at the same time they spread a little understanding about the reality of being a refugee.
USA for UNHCR is hosting events in Washington, DC and California this year. Additionally, people from every part of the nation use World Refugee Day as an opportunity to host their own events – from film screenings and potluck dinners to organizing their own fundraisers and volunteering to help refugees in their community.
Whether you can attend an event or not, World Refugee Day is the perfect opportunity for you to wear your Blue Key and tell your friends and colleagues about why you support the world’s most vulnerable people.
Continue Reading to see a listing of events happening around the US to commemorate World Refugee Day:
Washington, DC Events:
World Refugee Day at the Kennedy Center
Come celebrate 60 years of protection with a free concert at the Kennedy Center on the Millennium Stage featuring Sweet Rush and a photo exhibit displayed in the Hall of Nations entitled: Nowhere People: The World’s Stateless.
Born in Mogadishu, Somalia and currently based in Atlanta, Georgia, the eclectic R&B duo Sweet Rush—sisters Siham and Iman Hashi—has landed a record deal with Universal Motown.
- Monday, June 20th
- Time: 6:00 – 7:00 PM
- Location: The Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street, NW Washington, DC 20566
- Free for All Ages!
- Learn More
World Refugee Day at the W Hotel: Blue Key: Miami to DC
Join Washington movers and shakers in support of the UN Refugee Agency as we transform the terrace of the W Hotel into an ultrachic Miami lounge. Dance the night away in POV, converted for the night into the hottest club in DC featuring Miami’s own top DJs.
- Time: 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM
- Location: POV at the W Hotel, 515 15th St NW, Washington DC
- Featuring DJ Julian Ingrosso of Miami’s Mynt Lounge
- Appropriate for Ages 21+
- Puchase Tickets Online!
New York, NY Events:
World Refugee Day at the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building will be lit up in UN Blue to commemorate World Refugee Day.
California Events:
World Refugee Day in Santa Monica
Experience the life of a refugee! We’ll have a mock refugee tent, interactive activities and role play for kids, guest speakers, raffle prizes, a photo gallery and more.
- Time: 12:00-3:00 pm
- Location: Chrstine Emerson Reed Park: 1133 7th Street Santa Monica, CA 90403
- Free for All Ages!
World Refugee Day in West Hollywood
USA for UNHCR is hosting an evening in honor of 43 million refugees around the world. This year’s World Refugee Day will feature a briefing from USA for UNHCR as well as a Cambodian and an Ethiopian refugee who will share their inspiring story with us.
- Time: 6:30 – 9:30 pm
- Location: Xai Verandah Lounge, 7677 West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90046 Phone: (323) 969-0090
- Free for All Ages!
World Refugee Day in San Francisco
The World Affairs Council of Northern California hosts The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns author Khaled Hosseini, UNHCR Representative Vincent Cochetel, and Ambassador David Robinson to bring attention to the plight of millions of refugees and forcibly displaced who live in grave conditions around the world, and honor their courage and resilience.
- Date: June 16th, 2011
- Location: The Fairmont San Francisco Hotel, 950 Mason Street San Francisco, California 94129
- Time: 6:30 pm – 7:45 pm. Please arrive early for registration.
- Tickets: $20
- Purchase Tickets Online
I'm there in in San Francisco last June 16th. Too bad I didn't hear this. Better luck next time.
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[...] For World Refugee Day 2011 today (June 20th,) I ask you to purchase a $5 Blue Key from USA for UNHCR. [...]