©UNHCR
Bangkok – On 6 June, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, commemorates World Refugee Day in Thailand by lighting up Siam Paragon, Thailand’s first largest world-class shopping centre and entertainment complex and screening the movie “ALLIHOPA: THE DALKURD STORY” as the premiere of the 13th 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 welcomed.
With the number of forcibly displaced people at a record high, and at a time of widespread conflict, political and economic upheaval, refugees need our solidarity now more than ever. Solidarity means keeping our doors open and working together for a world where refugees are welcomed.
“Like all of us, refugees have dreams and hopes for their lives and they need to be given the chance to realize their human potential” said Tammi Sharpe, UNHCR Representative in Thailand “This year, on World Refugee Day, we celebrate refugees’strengths and achievements and reflect on the challenges they face. Above all, no action of solidarity with people forced to flee or living in exile is too small – whether it’s welcoming refugees into our local community or advocating for policies that protect and support people forced to flee.”
Committing to include refugees in our schools, workplaces, healthcare systems, and communities is the most effective way to support them in restarting their lives. It’s also the best way to prepare them to return home, when conditions allow, or to flourish if they are resettled to another country
UNHCR opened the 13th edition of its Refugee Film Festival with “ALLIHOPA: THE DALKURD STORY.” A movie that tells the inspirational story of The Dalkurd Football Club, a group of Kurdish refugees in Sweden who defy all odds to climb the ranks of Sweden’s soccer leagues.
“I believe in the power of opportunity and the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity,” stated Kordo Doski, a former refugee and film director. “This film tells a real story of refugees who started with nothing but a dream and an unyielding spirit. Their journey is more than a sports story; it’s a testament to human resilience and the power of community. Their story is a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder that with opportunity, refugees can thrive and make significant contributions to their new communities.”
Siam Paragon will be lit up in blue on 6 June and 20 June to mark World Refugee Day. The 13th Refugee Film Festival will be held between 15 and 20 June 2024 at Paragon Cineplex, Siam Paragon. Admission is free at https://linktr.ee/rff12th
Special thanks to the generous support from SCBX Next Tech in supporting venue and Susan Croissant Ltd in supporting snack box.
#UNHCRThailand #WithRefugees #WorldRefugeeDay#RefugeeDay
NOTE TO EDITOR:
What is World Refugee Day?
World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. World Refugee Day is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.
Why is World Refugee Day important?
World Refugee Day shines a light on the rights, needs, and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilize changes and resources so refugees can not only survive but also thrive. While it is important to protect and improve the lives of refugees every single day, international days like World Refugee Day help to focus global attention on the plight of those fleeing conflict or persecution. Many activities held on World Refugee Day create opportunities to support refugees
When is World Refugee Day? When did World Refugee Day start?
World Refugee Day falls each year on June 20 and is dedicated to refugees around the globe. World Refugee Day was held globally for the first time on June 20, 2001, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. It was originally known as Africa Refugee Day, before the United Nations General Assembly officially designated it as an international day in December 2000.
What happens on World Refugee Day?
Each year, World Refugee Day is marked by a variety of events in many countries around the globe in support of refugees. These activities are led by or involve refugees themselves, government officials, host communities, companies, celebrities, school children and the general public, among others. World Refugee Day is also preceded by the release of UNHCR’s signature report on Global Trend. The report will show the global scale of forced displacement – including more than 30 million refugees who are yearning for solutions and calling for greater socioeconomic inclusion.
About UNHCR
We lead international action to protect and provide assistance for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people.
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