World Refugee Day 2004 National Activity Plan: Pakistan

In Islamabad, World Refugee Day celebrations will take place on 17-18 June.

On 17 June, a speech contest will be held among students in English, Pashto and Dari on "The future after being a refugee". There will also be a drawing competition on "Refugees going back to their country", as well as many performances, including the drama, "Peace", and traditional Afghan songs and dances. Afghan refugee students will take part in all those activities, and the best performances will be rewarded.

On 18 June, a celebration will take place at the Auditorium of the National Library of Pakistan in Islamabad. The UNHCR Representative will open the ceremony by speaking about the World Refugee Day 2004 theme. The statements by the UN Secretary-General and the High Commissioner for Refugees will be read. The Ambassador of the Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan will also make a speech and UNHCR staff will talk about repatriation to Afghanistan. Afghan and other refugee communities will perform songs and dances, as well as a drama. An award ceremony will then take place to reward the best performances. A handicraft exhibition will be opened in the afternoon.

On 15 June, a painting contest will be organised in refugee camps and in urban Quetta among school children on the theme, "A Place to Call Home". UNHCR will provide children with all the painting materials.

On the same day, UNHCR will lead discussions among refugees on what durable solutions mean to them. The conclusions of the discussions will be reported.

On 16 June, a theatre group will perform for children in several refugee camps. Boy Scouts will drive the theatre group to rural areas.

From 15-17 June, sports activities will be organised for children in the camps. The matches will include refugee and local teams.

On 17 June, a World Refugee Day celebration will be held to raise awareness on refugee issues. Celebrations will include speeches by UNHCR staff, government representatives, UNHCR's implementing partners and refugees.

On 18 June, UNHCR will hold an exhibition of arts and crafts by refugees.

A solidarity march will also be organised in several locations where UNHCR has an office.

In Quetta, a half-day workshop on "Search for durable solutions: the achievements and challenges" will take place on 17 June. A solidarity march will also be held in the city, ending at the children's academy with the opening of an exhibition of arts and crafts by refugees, and photos on repatriation.

On 18 June, World Refugee Day celebrations will include the reading of the High Commissioner's statement and speeches by UNDP staff, representatives of NGOs, CAR, Afghan Consul, and refugees. Several refugee bands will perform and awards will be given out.

To sensitise students to refugee issues, they will visit refugee camps.

In Peshawar, the World Refugee Day celebrations will take place in Peshawar University on 18 June and in Khyber Union Hall at Islamia College on 20 June.

On 18 June, a series of conferences will be organised in Peshawar University on various refugee issues, including durable solutions for refugees in Pakistan.

On 20 June, in Islamia College, refugee bands will perform songs, poems and skits. Children from Kacha Ghra camp will participate in the performances and several people will deliver speeches on refugee issues.