, the UN House in Yerevan opened its doors for some two hundred participants of the “Medias and Migration” international conference organised by the Union Internationale de la Presse Francophone in the frame of the Francophonie Summit in Yerevan.
Photo c. UNHCR
This remarkable francophone event hosted by the UNRC and UNHCR, granted all the opportunity of inter-cultural exchange, raised the awareness of the participants on the humanitarian work accomplished by the UN and its partners, learn about the displacement situation worldwide and in Armenia. The event served as platform for a genuine dialogue with refugees and the NGO representatives who provided protection and support to them.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Shombi Sharp, The UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia, welcomed the guests representing some fifty countries and noted that ‘’it was the biggest and the most multi-cultural and group of visitors which the UN in Armenia had ever received since its establishment in December 1993”. He stressed the importance of Media and the civil society in reflecting on human rights issues, and passing on the key messages on the protection of refugees and other vulnerable people, and helping them gain supporters, mainstream in the life of the host community and become part of the social and economic development sin the society.
“I call for everyone to stand together with refugees”, Mr. Sharp said and passed on the floor to Ms. Anna-Carin Öst, the UNHCR Representative who on her turn spoke about the importance of the Media in helping refugees’ voice to be heard, spread a call for solidarity with refugees, acknowledge the skills and talents they bring to the host county. “The bundle of belongings is not the only thing a refugee brings to the new country” – this is said about Einstein who was a refugee. It is important that we acknowledge refugees’ contribution to the cultural and economic development in the new country”, she said and added that a small group of refugees were present in the event thus, it was a good opportunity to listen to their stories and enjoy their music performances, as well as taste traditional food that a displaced Syrian caterer treated them with.
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