World Refugee Day 2007 National Activities: Georgia

On 18 June, 145 school-age refugee children were taken on a daytrip to Tbilisi from the Pankisi Valley. They visited the zoo and cinema and had an afternoon snack in Vake Park.

A refugee fair was organized in Pankisi Valley on 20 June with traditional dances, songs, puppet theatre, poetry, sport competitions and a handicrafts exhibition.

On 18-20 June, a screening of award-winning feature films about refugees took place at the Goethe Institute in Tbilisi. Photos by R. Hackman on the theme, "Chechen Refugees in Pankisi Valley," were exhibited at the film festival venue. There was also an exhibition and sale of felt products and jewellery made by Chechen refugees. A special TV spot was run to raise awareness about World Refugee Day.

A drawing competition for children was organized in May on the subject of "Peace Prevents Displacement." The drawings were exhibited at the film festival venue from 18-20 June and prizes were awarded to the top three winners at UNHCR's Office in Tbilisi.

On 19 June, UNHCR staff discussed their work and WRD during an appearance on Radio Imedi. A film festival was held in Zugdidi from 20-23 June. Four feature films on refugee and migration themes were shown.