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Voluntary repatriation is the preferred solution for refugees, as these Angolan returnees in Cazombo can testify. © UNHCR/N.Behring-Chisholm
A place to call home:
Rebuilding lives in safety and dignity
In 2004, World Refugee Day focused on the search for, and implementation of, durable solutions for refugees. Based on the theme, "A place to call home: Rebuilding lives in safety and dignity", UNHCR looked at the challenges and hopes that accompany refugees in their search for a new home through voluntary repatriation, local integration or resettlement.
On 20 June 2004, people all over the world gathered around events and activities to commemorate this day. The central World Refugee Day event, as well as the Nansen Refugee Award ceremony, was held in Barcelona, Spain, as part of the Universal Forum of Cultures. High Commissioner Ruud Lubbers, chairman of the Nansen Refugee Award Committee, presented the award to Moscow-based Memorial Human Rights Center for its outstanding contribution to the refugee cause. UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie attended the ceremony and participated in World Refugee Day activities.
Click here for more on Barcelona event.
Rebuilding lives in safety and dignity
In 2004, World Refugee Day focused on the search for, and implementation of, durable solutions for refugees. Based on the theme, "A place to call home: Rebuilding lives in safety and dignity", UNHCR looked at the challenges and hopes that accompany refugees in their search for a new home through voluntary repatriation, local integration or resettlement.
On 20 June 2004, people all over the world gathered around events and activities to commemorate this day. The central World Refugee Day event, as well as the Nansen Refugee Award ceremony, was held in Barcelona, Spain, as part of the Universal Forum of Cultures. High Commissioner Ruud Lubbers, chairman of the Nansen Refugee Award Committee, presented the award to Moscow-based Memorial Human Rights Center for its outstanding contribution to the refugee cause. UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie attended the ceremony and participated in World Refugee Day activities.
Click here for more on Barcelona event.
World Refugee Day 2004 Posters Campaign
Showing durable solutions in different forms.
Photo Gallery
A Place to Call Home: Part I
Rebuilding lives in safety and dignity
(1953 – 1995).
Why a World Refugee Day?
Just as we make a special effort to remember our mothers on Mother's Day, we want the world's refugees to be remembered on their special day.
World Refugee Day 2004 Information Kit
Background and personal stories on durable solutions. [PDF, 1.37Mb]
Photo Gallery
A Place to Call Home: Part II
Rebuilding lives in safety and dignity
(1996 – 2003).
Let's Celebrate
Let's celebrate World Refugee Day as a salute to the indomitable spirit and courage of the world's refugees.
World Refugee Day Events in 2004
Celebrations took place all over the world. Select a region from the menu below to view activities listed by country:
See the World Refugee Day 2004 Final Report in full here (with selected omission of internal documents)
[PDF, 1.93Mb]
· World Refugee Day 2004 speech
by High Commissioner Ruud Lubbers.
Read the speech here.
· Angelina Jolie's message
And listen to her on BBC's Talking Point here.
Read World Refugee Day 2004 Messagefrom the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
World Refugee Day 2004 Leaflet
(184 Kb, pdf)
A quick glance at this year's theme.
World Refugee Day 2004 in the News from UNHCR