World Refugee Day is organised every year on June 20 by the United Nations. This day is designed to celebrate and honour refugees from around the world.
The day was first established on June 20, 2001, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.
Who are refugees?
A refugee is a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution or natural disaster.
Refugees leave their country behind and have to go forth with minimal things, like the clothes on their back and whatever possessions they can grab at the time.
Why is this day celebrated?
1. The event aims to recognise the strength of the refugees who have fled the conflict and persecution of their country in hope of finding sanctuary and living a better life.
2. World Refugee Day aims at giving a fresh start to those who have suffered.
3. The day is an opportunity for everyone to experience, understand and celebrate the rich diversity of the communities of refugees.
4. World Refugee Day is also celebrated through World Refugee Week and is designed to provide an important chance for asylum seekers and refugees to be seen, listened to and valued by the community that they are living in.
5. Majority of the refugees come from backgrounds where they have been formally employed and can assist their new country in contributing to the security of the country as well as their revenue.
