World Refugee Day 2003: Mauritania

Refugees selling handmade products at the Moroccan Cultural Centre in Nouakchott. © UNHCR/D.Alassane

© © UNHCR/D.Alassane

UNHCR organised an official ceremony in collaboration with the ministry of interior and the Human Rights Commission. Present were government officials, diplomats, NGO staff, members of the civil society, and UN officials.

Attending the official World Refugee Day ceremony were (from left) the Director of the Human Rights Commission, the legal advisor to the Minister of Interior, UNHCR Chief-of-Mission, and the resident co-ordinator for the UN system in Mauritania.

© UNHCR/D.Alassane

An exhibition-sale of handicrafts and art posters produced by young refugees was organised by UNHCR and the Moroccan Cultural Centre in Nouakchott. The visitors followed a series of cultural and folklore presentations conceived and presented by refugees. A drawing contest was held and the winners received prizes.

Refugee children at the World Refugee Day show in Nouakchott.

© UNHCR/D.Alassane

UNHCR hosted a two-day workshop on the theme "Human Rights and Refugee Protection" on 22 and 23 June in the town of Aioun, which received a large number of refugees in the past. The workshop was attended by senior government officials, civil society representatives, and journalists.

Refugees participated in a football tournament and played a final match against UNHCR's partner NGO, LWF.