'World Refugee Day' on June 19

19 Jun, 2007

Like other parts of the world, the "World Refugees Day" will be observed in the country on June 20 (Wednesday). This year, theme of the Day is "Hope for the Future", for the millions of refugees and displaced people around the globe.
For years, many countries and regions have been holding their own refugee days and even weeks. One of the most widespread is Africa Refugee Day, which is also celebrated on June 20 in several countries.
The UN General Assembly adopted a Resolution 55/76 on December 4, 2000, in which, it noted that 2001 marked the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the status of refugees, and agreed to have International Refugee Day coincide with Africa Refugee Day on 20 June. The Assembly, therefore, decided that from 2001, June 20 would be observed as 'World Refugee Day'.
To mark the day in a befitting manner, the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will organise a number of activities.
The events will feature refugee performances including an Afghan wedding ritual, an Iranian cultural show, a Somali dance and an Arabic song. An exhibition and sale of handicrafts made by refugees will also be displayed on the occasion.

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