World Refugee Day 2003: Uzbekistan
World Refugee Day 2003: Uzbekistan
In May, a drawing and essay contest was launched among young refugees.
On June 19, UNHCR held a press conference. The Uzbek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs also participated to emphasise the importance of government/UNHCR co-operation on refugee issues. After the briefing, the journalists watched "Draw Our Home", a documentary film about UNHCR's voluntary repatriation programme for Afghan refugees, produced by UNHCR Uzbekistan.
UNHCR hosted a reception at Hayot Yullari, a social centre for refugees in Tashkent, which was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps and aid organisations. After the screening of the UNHCR film, the participants enjoyed a series of Afghan entertainment including a fashion show, a bazaar and traditional food. The event successfully showed various contributions refugees can make to the host country.
On June 20, UNHCR staff spent the afternoon with refugees at the Hayot Yullari centre. Prizes were awarded to the winners of the various contests marking World Refugee Day. Refugees staged poems, songs and traditional dances.
