UNHCR welcomes heartfelt support to people forced to flee during its 2023 World Refugee Day commemoration.

Bangkok, 31 May 2023 World Refugee Day falls each year on 20 June and honours refugees around the globe. In Thailand, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, continues to inspire the public to stand with refugees by organizing awareness-raising activities and movie screenings that feature compelling stories from people forcibly displaced around the globe.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, commemorated World Refugee Day in Thailand on 31 May with a Tuk Tuk Parade and the movie premiere of its 12^th Refugee Film Festival. The Royal Thai Government, Embassies in Bangkok, UN Agencies and, the private sector came together to advocate for a world where refugees are always included.

Globally, over 100 million people have been uprooted by war and persecution, which account for more than 1 per cent of the world’s population. Unfortunately, after reaching safety in a foreign country, far too many refugees are left in limbo. They may face barriers to participating in the social, economic and, political life of the communities hosting them, especially if they come from a different culture, religion, or ethnicity.

Despite the challenges, UNHCR works with determination to deliver life-saving assistance, helping to safeguard fundamental human rights, and developing solutions to ensure people have a safe place they can call home where they can build a better future.

No matter how long they remain in exile, refugees want to carry on with their lives – by getting an education, providing for their families, and forging friendships with neighbours. Refugees want opportunities, not handouts. They wish to be self-reliant, and are eager to use their talents and passions to contribute to the communities hosting them.

“We are working around the clock to respond to the increasing crisis. However, we cannot do this alone; we need help from the Thai public and the private sector to contribute to actions that will give more hope and skills to people forced to flee,”  said Giuseppe De Vincentiis, UNHCR Representative in Thailand. “This year on World Refugee Day 2023, we focus on the power of inclusion. Refugees make positive contributions and boost economies. Many are brimming with creative ideas and the energy and desire to be active economic agents, able to provide for themselves while contributing to their host country’s economy.”

The 2023 World Refugee Day’s leitmotif is “Hope Away from Home” and in Bangkok, over 30 Tuk Tuks will circulate across the city in June to spread the word.

“Creativity triggers inspiration and actions to make a difference to fellow human beings.” Piyarat Kaljareuk, Vice President of Kantana Group Public Co.,Ltd. and UNHCR High Profile Supporter. “The refugee response requires long-term support, and media plays a crucial role in encouraging the public to stand in solidarity with refugees.”

Besides World Refugee Day’s celebration, UNHCR organizes its traditional Refugee Film Festival, entering its 12^th edition this year. The festival pursues its mission to showcase the real stories of refugees through award-winning documentaries and films. The support from private partners allows UNHCR to make the screenings free and open to all.

“A story has the power to change the world. At Netflix, we believe incredible stories can come from anywhere, and connect our members to experiences around the world including some of the most important humanitarian issues of our time. The Swimmers is one of those stories. It displays the remarkable strength of refugees and the people that help them,” said Amy Kunrojpanya, Vice President, Public Relations, APAC, Netflix. “We are honored to be a part of the 12th Refugee Film Festival in Bangkok this year and hope that stories like that of sisters Sara and Yusra can remind us that we can all work together to help refugees feel welcome and valued.”

Netflix kindly supports the free screening of the award-winning film the Swimmers, which tells the true story of Yusra Mardini, a young Syrian refugee and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, who escaped conflict and went on to compete in two Olympics. UNHCR 12^th Refugee Film Festival will be held between 16-20 June 2023 at Quartier CineArt, the EmQuartier.  Admission is fee. Please usethe Registration Link at www.unhcr.org/th

The commemoration of World Refugee Day and the Refugee Film Festival is possible thanks to strong support from various partners. UNHCR wishes to express special thanks to The Mall, the Emporium, the EmQuartier, Netflix, Quartier CineArt, UNIQLO, PlanToys and Rabbit Reward.

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