UNHCR Thailand commemorates 70 years of protecting people forced to flee UNHCR Thailand commemorates 70 years of protecting people forced to fleeUNHCR Thailand commemorates 70 years of protecting people forced to flee ©UNHCR/Somkiat Jaraspat
Forced displacement globally has nearly doubled in the past decade. Nearly 80 million people are refugees, internally displaced or stateless today – or 1 in every 100 people.
The UNHCR 70th Anniversary Exhibition opens today highlighting the efforts of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to serve people forced to flee, also recognising the vital solidarity and support received from all sectors in Thailand and around the world in commemoration of its 70th anniversary.
UNHCR was formally entrusted with its mandate on 14 December 1950 when the UN General Assembly adopted its Statute. Since 1951, UNHCR’s mission has been to protect people forced to flee, providing humanitarian assistance and solutions to millions around the world with more than 17,000 colleagues working in 135 countries.
After being invited by the Royal Thai Government (RTG) in 1975 to commence operations in Thailand in response to the Indochina refugee crisis, UNHCR has been working closely with all sectors to improve protection and solutions for refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless persons and other persons of concern to UNHCR, while supporting their inclusion in national systems. .
“This is not a moment for celebration as the continuous need for UNHCR’s protection and humanitarian assistance highlights the tragic displacement situation in the world today,” said Giuseppe De Vincentiis, UNHCR Representative in Thailand.
“However, this anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the dedication, courage, and contributions of those who continue to support, work and collaborate with UNHCR throughout the world, including the RTG, NGO partners, civil society, private sectors, media partners, donors and the people of Thailand.”
Together with our country’s government and authorities, some of the world’s leading companies, foundations and philanthropists are helping us to maximize our impact and improve our capacity to make a difference by delivering lifesaving assistance and sustainable solutions for millions of refugees and displaced people worldwide.
“It’s has been more than 5 years since the first time I went on mission with UNHCR to report on displacement and the refugee crisis,” said Thapanee Eadsrichai, Founder of The Reporters, which has raised awareness and funds to support UNHCR to make a difference to the lives of people forced to flee worldwide.
“As both a member of the media and a human being, I am proud to be able to make a difference to millions of lives regardless of race, religion or belief, which inspires me to keep doing good for society at the local and global level and provides me with a sense of fulfilment.”
The “UNHCR 70th Anniversary Exhibition” is open to the public at no charge from today until 20 December 2020 at the Multi – Function Room, 1st Floor, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC).
The exhibition will take visitors back into time witnessing UNHCR’s history, work and achievements over 70 years, inspiring refugee stories, core relief items provided during displacement situations, archive footage and stories of people forced to flee around the world. There will also be a daily activity, game and documentary screening supported by Praya Lundberg, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, THE STANDARD and National Geographic for participants to enjoy.
We are part of a global effort to create a fairer and more sustainable world. These actions must include refugees – the majority of whom are women and girls. As the UN turns 75 and UNHCR 70, no one must be left behind. Support our work at www.unhcr.or.th/donate.
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