OTTAWA, 17 June 2016 – On June 20, World Refugee Day, Canadians will join people around the world to highlight the courage and perseverance shown by refugees in overcoming enormous odds to rebuild their lives.
This year, World Refugee Day has a special meaning, recognizing the recent outpouring of concern for refugees demonstrated by Canadians in communities across Canada over the past year. This comes at a time when there are record levels of forced human displacement globally. The day is an opportunity to acknowledge the massive outburst of volunteerism, generosity and willingness of Canadians and their governments at different levels to welcome refugees.
“World Refugee Day is an important opportunity for us to pause and reflect on what we can do as individuals to help refugees,” said Michael Casasola, Officer in Charge, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). “The surge of support we have received from Canadians this year is very encouraging for UNHCR as we work to protect and find solutions for refugees the world over.”
Globally, World Refugee Day will also be marked by a strong call to action in support of UNHCR’s #WithRefugees campaign, which seeks to ensure more compassion and solidarity for refugees.
Events are planned across the country to mark World Refugee Day 2016.
For more information:
Gisèle Nyembwe, 613-986-4300, email: nyembwe@unhcr.org