World Refugee Day 2003: New Zealand
World Refugee Day 2003: New Zealand
20 June 2003
UNHCR staff register refugees at the Douma registration center on the outskirts of Damascus. Registering with UNHCR ensures that the most vulnerable refugees receive aid.
© UNHCR/M.Bernard
In New Zealand, major events were organised by the Refugee and Migrant Service, with some financial support from UNHCR Canberra.
In Wellington, a function was held at Parliament House attended by ministers, refugee community representatives, school children, NGOs, volunteers and government officials. Speakers included the Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs and young New Zealanders of refugee background.
In Auckland a concert was held at Kings College, featuring performances by school children of refugee background. Approximately 1,000 people attended the concert, and speakers included Prime Minister Helen Clarke and young former refugees.