Nations around the globe are marking World Refugee Day on June 20 2009. The United Nations' (UN) World Refugee Day is observed on June 20 each year. This event honours the courage, strength and determination of women, men and children who are forced to flee their homeland under threat of persecution, conflict and violence.
The people honour the spirit and courage of millions of refugees world-wide on World Refugee Day. It is a day to recognise the contributions of refugees in their communities, a private TV channel reported. The global theme for World Refugee Day 2009, "Real People, Real Needs", highlights the central idea of international refugee protection that those people who flee their homes because of persecution and conflict need sanctuary and protection from danger.
This day was designated by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to bring attention to the plight of approximately 14 million refugees around the world. International and National Organisations often get involved in various activities for the day. The different communities dedicate an entire week that includes World Refugee Day to encourage people to think about the lives of refugees and the human right to a secure place to that one can see as "home".
For years, many countries and regions have been holding their own events similar to World Refugee Day. One of the most widespread events is Africa Refugee Day, which is celebrated on June 20 in many countries. As an expression of solidarity with Africa, which hosts the most refugees, and which traditionally has shown them generosity, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 55/76 on December 4, 2000.
In this resolution, the General Assembly noted that 2001 marked the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the status of refugees, and that the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) had agreed to have International Refugee Day coincide with Africa Refugee Day on June 20. The Assembly therefore decided that June 20 would be celebrated as World Refugee Day from 2001 onwards.
In recognition of World Refugee Day, June 20, 2009, please help International and National organisations to raise awareness of the millions of people around the globe who live without home or country. People should support refugees and IDPs living in crowded, makeshift camps with little food, clean water, and medicine in the day of refugees.
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