22 June, Bishkek – Today – on the occasion of World Refugee Day – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, opened an art exhibition “Hope away from home”. Organized in partnership with the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts to promote the inclusion and integration of refugees and to honour the hospitality of host communities, the exhibition will be on show from 22 June to 07 July 2023.
The exhibition explores the theme of hope amidst displacement, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by refugees and the importance of fostering a sense of belonging in their new homes. The exposition presents a three-layered approach through photos and paintings: global refugee crisis; integration of refugees in Kyrgyzstan and reflection of the displacement issues in Kyrgyz national culture.
The opening of the exhibition was attended by representatives of the government, of UN agencies, and international missions and organisations. It featured a musical performance, a lecture on the connection between Kyrgyz national culture and the topic of forced displacement, and a guided tour around the exhibition.
“Including refugees in the communities where they have found safety is the most effective way to enable them to rebuild their lives and contribute to local economies and the countries hosting them”, said Antje Grawe, UN Resident Coordinator at the opening of the exhibition.
The Kyrgyz Republic hosts 253 refugees. Most have been living in Kyrgyzstan for decades, they speak local languages and are willing to contribute to the development of Kyrgyzstan using their skills and knowledge. As part of UN Kyrgyzstan UNHCR works jointly with UN sister agencies, authorities, civil society and the private sector to promote refugees’ access to basic rights, services and integration.
“We can all do more to give refugees more hope – and more opportunities – while they are away from home. Let’s commit to including refugees in our schools, workplaces, health care systems, and beyond, for the benefit of all – refugees and host communities,” said Ivan Saleyeu, Head of UNHCR National Office in the Kyrgyz Republic.
World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on 20 June and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. This year, World Refugee Day focuses on the power of refugees’ inclusion.
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