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Live Blog: World Refugee Day events span the globe as displacement hits record

Bangladesh. A child painting a UNHCR tent
Stories

Live Blog: World Refugee Day events span the globe as displacement hits record

From Asia to the Americas, UNHCR is leading celebrations of the spirit and courage of women, men and children uprooted from their homes.
20 June 2018
Rohingya refugee Kaisara, 11, takes part in a painting class in Bangladesh ahead of World Refugee Day.

From breakdancing to concerts, football to food festivals, millions of people around the world are taking part in events marking World Refugee Day, celebrating the strength and resilience of people forced to flee their homes and seek safety elsewhere.


The event, which falls each year on June 20, gives the public worldwide an opportunity to show their support for women, men and children displaced by conflict, violence and persecution in record numbers in 2017.

Many are also showing they stand #WithRefugees by signing UNHCR’s petition. Check back here throughout the day for updates.

 


Washington, USA

Representatives from USA for UNHCR took part in the pre-game programme and ceremony before the Washington Nationals baseball game at Nationals Park.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@UNRefugeeAgency
We’re at @Nationals Park today celebrating #WorldRefugeeDay with @whatwouldDOOdo and @LualMichael! https://t.co/hbe1E0w85M


 

Toronto, Canada

Toronto's landmark CN Tower and its 3-D city name sign in Nathan Phillips Square were illuminated in blue in honour of World Refugee Day.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@UNHCRCanada
🇨🇦 The city of Toronto is standing in solidarity #WithRefugees The @TourCNTower and the #Toronto sign will both be lit blue tonight for #WorldRefugeeDay Thank you for honouring the millions of children, women and men we are proud to support and protect every day of the year. https://t.co/71ZFedQAsF


 

Cúcuta, Colombia

A mural outside the Colombian city of Cúcuta greets Venezuelans fleeing across the border.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@Refugees
🇨🇴 #WorldRefugeeDay in Colombia. More than 1.5 million Venezuelans have had to leave their country. In Cúcuta, Colombia, a mural created by UNHCR and @5howy welcomes them. https://t.co/kyDpY7BCvJ


 

Lima, Peru

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@Refugees
🇵🇪#WorldRefugeeDay in Peru. Refugees & host communities took to the streets for a solidarity march to show they stand #withRefugees. via @ACNURamericas https://t.co/FxtwJaEzIj


 

Niamey, Niger

UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi talks about current world climate for refugees on World Refugee Day.

How can we counter xenophobic narratives to help refugees?

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@Refugees
How can we counter xenophobic narratives to help refugees? UN @RefugeesChief Filippo Grandi​ + @MelissarFleming discuss a more powerful narrative - one of solidarity, respect and generosity. #WithRefugees #WorldRefugeeDay https://t.co/Nl3vLIRKlu


 

Marawi City, Philippines

A distribution of relief items supplied by the UNIQLO clothing chain on June 20 to commemorate World Refugee Day in Marawi City, in the Philippines.

The Philippines. UNIQLO distribution of core relief items on World Refugee Day
A distribution of core relief items from UNIQLO on June 20 to commemorate World Refugee Day in Marawi City, in the Philippines.


 

Anyake settlement, Nigeria

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@Refugees
🇳🇬#WorldRefugeeDay in Nigeria Cameroonian refugees sing and dance during a cultural show in Anyake settlement. #WithRefugees https://t.co/iKLRxAiMiw


 

Presevo, Serbia

UNHCR staff, refugees and the local community have been busy planting trees at two schools in Presevo, Serbia, to show their support.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@UNHCRSerbia
On the ocassion of #WorldRefugeeDay, we’ve planted trees at Serbian primary school “Vuk Karadzic” & Albanian secondary school “Skenderbeg” in Presevo, #Serbia, together with @KIRS_SRBIJA, #refugees & local community https://t.co/ognVn8QH6J


 

Nouakchott, Mauritania

Women from Central Africa perform a play about the issues they face as refugees in Mauritania, a country that is host to more than 2,000 urban refugees and asylum-seekers – mostly from Syria, Central Africa and Ivory Coast – in addition to more than 56,000 refugees from Mali who live in Mbera camp near the Malian border.

WRD - Nouakchott, Mauritania
Refugees perform a play during celebrations for World Refugee Day in Nouakchott, Mauritania.


 

Geneva, Switzerland

UNHCR staff and Afghan musician Khalid Arman gathered to show their support for refugees.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@arisberris
This #WorldRefugeeDay2018, at @Refugees HQ, we had the opportunity to enjoy a music performance by Afghan musician Khalid Arman accompanied by Sylviane Fournier. 🎼 #WithRefugees https://t.co/OLlXyeMyW1


 

Juba, South Sudan

UNHCR staff, refugees and their South Sudanese hosts sway to live music at a party to mark World Refugee Day in Juba, South Sudan.

South Sudan. World Refugee Day 2018 in Juba
World Refugee Day 2018 celebration held in Juba, South Sudan. Refugees,


 

Panama City, Panama

Salvadoran refugee chef Maribel Martinez serves diners at the Azafran restaurant in Panama City, as the Refugee Food Festival gets under way in the Central American nation's capital.

Panama. Panamanians and foreigners enjoy dishes prepared by refugee cooks with local renowned chefs for World Refugee Day
Chef Maribel Martinez serves her grandfather, Emerson. at Azafran restaurant in Panama City, the Central American nation's capital.


 

Anyake settlement, Nigeria

Love conquers all in this settlement in Nigeria where a cast of Cameroonian refugees put on a play about warring tribes that reconcile when two young people fall in love.

Nigeria. World Refugee Day celebrations in Anyake settlement
Cameroonian refugees perform a play about conflict, love and reconciliation in Nigeria.


 

Moscow, Russia

Afghan refugees are taking part in a basketball masterclass with BC Khimki, as part of events in Moscow.

UNHCR RF. World Refugee Day 2018.
A basketball masterclass for Afghan refugees in Moscow.


 

Niamey, Niger

UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi travelled overnight from Libya to Niger with 122 refugees released from detention centres in Tripoli. "Many rich countries are closing their doors to refugees. Niger shares with them its very few resources," he said. "I am humbled to spend World Refugee Day with the people and leaders of this generous African nation."

Niger. Migrants and refugees having been freed from captivity in Libya greet UN High Commissioner for Refugees
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi visits previously evacuated migrants and refugees now sheltered in Niger under UNHCR's care.


 

Dublin, Ireland

Delicious Syrian man’oushe (flat bread) is being served up in Ireland.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@UNHCRIreland
Delicious Syrian man’oushe (flat bread) being served in the UNHCR tent @stpatrickscath on #WorldRefugeeDay Yum! 😋 #WithRefugees #OpentheDoorIreland https://t.co/qKO5ctpu0b


 

New York, USA

Actor and UNHCR Supporter Ben Stiller teamed up with writer and former Iraqi refugee Ahmed Badr in New York, to cook up an at-home version of chicken shawarma.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@tasty
Do you ever crave a specific dish from your hometown? Follow Ahmed Badr and Ben Stiller as they recreate Ahmed’s favorite childhood dish: chicken shawarma #WithRefugees @Refugees @RedHourBen @uBadr https://t.co/uZ5gHWz5lY


 

Kyiv, Ukraine

In a country where four years of conflict have forced more than 1.5 million people from their homes, Clowns Without Borders are bringing smiles to the faces of refugee and displaced children.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@Refugees
🇺🇦#WorldRefugeeDay in Ukraine A smile can break down borders + help people of different countries connect. Clowns without Borders put on a special show for refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced, stateless persons, local children and children with disabilities. https://t.co/sdD0nHki7M


 

Beirut, Lebanon

Refugees from Syria and Iraq are sharing their wishes of peace and stability for their home countries.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@UNHCRLebanon
#WorldRefugeeDay in Lebanon 🇱🇧 Refugees from Syria and Iraq share their wishes of peace and stability for their home countries during an activity organised by @Caritaslb https://t.co/kdXSFOrW02


 

Sydney, Australia

The Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, is among scores of city managers worldwide who launched a Cities #WithRefugees initiative, urging municipalities to join them in welcoming and including refugees in their communities.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@CloverMoore
Today is World Refugee Day. I have joined Mayors of over 100 cities around the world in signing on to the UNHCR @RefugeesMedia statement in solidarity with the tens of millions of refugees & asylum seekers seeking new lives for themselves across the world https://t.co/ISQSeMK8Sf


 

Rome, Italy

Pope Francis stands in solidarity #WithRefugees.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@Pontifex
A person's dignity does not depend on them being a citizen, a migrant, or a refugee. Saving the life of someone fleeing war and poverty is an act of humanity. #WithRefugees @M_RSection


 

Tallinn, Estonia

Visitors, young and old, to the Maritime Museum in Tallinn are paying tribute to the many Estonians who were forced to flee on fishing boats during the Second World War.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@UNHCR_NE
How will you escape? What will you take with you? Whom will take you across the sea? Estonians mark the #WorldRefugeeDay in Tallinn, in Maritime Museum's WWII roleplay, remembering year 1944 when many Estonians had to flee. Join Refugee Day in Tallinn: https://t.co/JehxgqxVt5 https://t.co/P2jdqDU2hc


 

Damak, Nepal

Celebrations in Nepal included colorful dances and songs from Bhutanese refugee women.

Dancers in Nepal mark World Refugee Day 2018.


 

Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

Rohingya refugee children have been busy drawing their hopes and dreams on a tent in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. The tent is on display at the city’s Cultural Centre.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@UNHCR_BGD
On #WorldRefugeeDay Rohingya refugee children with help from @ArtolutionOrg drew their hopes and dreams on a tent exhibited now at the cultural centre in Cox’s Bazar. We stand #WithRefugees https://t.co/RalM6LZ5Xz


 

Delhi, India

Refugees in Delhi are enjoying free yoga lessons thanks to volunteer instructor Nandini Jayaprasad.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@Refugees
🇮🇳 #WorldRefugeeDay in INDIA Refugees in Delhi receive free yoga lessons by volunteer yoga instructor Nandini Jayaprasad. https://t.co/4uGNOT6dJ4


 

Mtendeli camp, Tanzania

Drumbeats and dance steps get celebrations under way at Mtendeli camp in Tanzania, which hosts thousands of refugees from neighbouring Burundi.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@barb_wigley
#WRD celebrations just getting going at Mtendeli camp in #Tanzania @refugees @UNHCRtanzania https://t.co/o9Bm5iibQE


 

Strasbourg, France

An Alsatian restaurant serves traditional "tarte flambée" with an Iraqi twist, as the Refugee Food Festival gets going in Strasbourg.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@Ce_Schmitt
For #Worldrefugeeday, la Fignette, a typical Alsacian restaurant re-invented the traditional « tarte flambée » with flavours from Iraq during the @RefugeeFoodFest & and it was a success 😋 #WithRefugees https://t.co/f7wuChcrF7


 

Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

A UNHCR staff member gets her hands daubed in the agency's colours at an art workshop for young Rohingya refugees in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. The artworks are being exhibited at the city's Cultural Centre. More than 700,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since violence erupted in Myanmar last August.

Bangladesh. Painting a UNHCR tent
One of the Bangladesh local staff, at the transit center shows off the UN blue and one of it many uses.


 

Obock, Djibouti

Using their talents with needle and thread, women refugees from Yemeni starting over in Djibouti make wallets and clutches decorated with the UNHCR logo.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@UNHCRDjibouti
.#Yemeni women #refugees at the #Markazi settlement in #Obock, #Djibouti are amazingly talented and incredibly enterprising! These wallets and clutches were handmade by them with big thanks to the livelihoods training of @LWF_Ke! #withrefugees #wrd2018 https://t.co/wWkCxmMI64


 

Kathmandu, Nepal

The historic Ghantaghar clock tower in the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, is illuminated in UNHCR colours to celebrate the lives of refugees.

In Nepal, to celebrate the life of refugees and express solidarity with them, the historic Ghantaghar clock tower in Kathmandu was illuminated in blue on Tuesday, June 19, 2018. The lighting will continue on Wednesday, June 20.


 

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Enterprising refugees sold handmade clothes, jewellery, art and food at a market in downtown Kinshasa. The market was organized by UNHCR to help the refugees find new customers and, of course, make friends in the country, which hosts more than 540,000 refugees from Burundi, the Central African Republic and South Sudan.

DRC: refugee entrepreneurs in Kinsasa present their goods
A UNHCR staff member poses with a refugee from South Sudan at a market in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Reoublic of the Congo.


 

Washington, USA

A photo exhibition brought the lives of Rohingya refugees into sharp focus in the U.S. Congress. The exhibit captures the precarious situation of some of the 700,000 women, men and children who have fled to neighbouring Bangladesh since violence erupted in Myanmar last August.

United States. Rohingya photo exhibition shown in U.S. Congress for World Refugee Day
A visitor views photos of the Rohingya refugee crisis displayed in Russell Rotunda as part of a photo exhibition to commemorate World Refugee Day.


 

Sydney, Australia

Hundreds of supporters of Australia for UNHCR got together for a World Refugee Day breakfast, standing with miillions of people uprooted from their homes worldwide.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@UNrefugees
Thank you for standing in solidarity at our #WorldRefugeeDay breakfast in Sydney! Corporate leaders, high profile supporters, refugees and advocates, all marking the courage of people forced to flee conflict, and celebrating their contribution to our community. #WithRefugees https://t.co/b316XxgPmK


 

Bucharest, Romania

Rappers Seeds of Freedom kicked off celebrations over the weekend with a concert in Bucharest. The band is made up of Romanians and refugees in their teens whose music and poetry bridges the two communities.

Rappers Seeds of Freedom perform in Bucharest.


 

Kampala, Uganda

Refugee breakdancers practise their moves ahead of a World Refugee Day show in Uganda. There are 1.4 million refugees in Uganda, of whom more than 1 million have entered the country in the past 18 months.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
@DuniyaAKhan
Hit it to the Beat These self-taught dancers of the Holy Dance group are refugees @Refugees from DRC, South Sudan & Burundi in Uganda. Rehearsing for the #WorldRefugeeDay commemoration. Group master Pascal welcomes everyone to his group who loves & appreciate dancing. https://t.co/XBSIHS0EIc


 

Domiz refugee camp, northern Iraq

On 18 June, UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie visited Domiz refugee camp in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq, where she met with Syrian families and listened to their stories of flight and exile. In this photo she speaks with Syrian children who are growing up in the camp.

Iraq. Special Envoy visit to Domiz Refugee camp
In the run up to World Refugee Day, UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie meets young Syrian refugees in Domiz Refugee Camp, Iraq, on June 17, 2018.