World Refugee Day 2004: Sri Lanka
World Refugee Day 2004: Sri Lanka
20 June 2004
Kids play in a neighbourhood populated mostly by Iraqi refugees. Because refugees are not allowed to work in Syria, children often must take informal jobs to help support their families.
© UNHCR/M.Bernard
In Kilinochchi, 50 people participated in a 28-mile cycling marathon from Mallavi to Kilinochchi to remember the displacement to Mallavi and the return to Kilinochchi, as well as those who are still displaced. At the end of the race, local authorities, partners, and internally displaced persons attended an award ceremony at the Kilinochchi Sports Ground with a slide show of photos taken by refugees and IDPs.
In Kalimootai and Pulankulam, over 150 people participated in an aid awareness day featuring street drama.
In Jaffna, after a drama and sports festival, all of the participants pressed their hands on a banner in colourful paint, making a testament to their joint accomplishments.