World Refugee Day 2002: Algeria

On 22 June, UNHCR organised a reception at the Sheraton Hotel in Algiers for the Government of Algeria, the diplomatic community, academic institutions, and other partner organisations.

A photo exhibition was set up to show the main refugee operations in Algeria. UNHCR posters and videos were shown, as well as crafts of Western Saharan origin by Sahraoui refugee women from the camps in Tindouf, who also delivered a musical performance.

On 23 June, at the invitation of l'Association des femmes algériennes pour le développement, UNHCR gave a talk on the evolution of the role of refugee women in humanitarian assistance at a seminar on World Refugee Day and the status of refugees in society.

The seminar took place at the University of Badji Mokhtar in Annaba, and it was attended by professors, civil society leaders, students, refugees (who had travelled from Tindouf) and UNHCR. Also present in the audience were members of the diplomatic community, local politicians, local NGOs and the press.

A talk was given by Prof. Mentri Messaoud on International Refugee Law. In keeping with the theme of Refugee Women, Mrs. Fathia Baghdadi (Lawyer, Representative and Director of the Bureau d'Algérie près du Centre Arabe pour l'Education au Droit International Humanitaire et aux Droits de l'Homme) gave a talk on Women in International Law. These talks were then followed by a panel discussion and some very lively debates.