World Refugee Day 2002: France

To celebrate World Refugee Day, UNHCR and eBay joined forces to put up for sale some truly exceptional items. Between 10 and 20 June, internet users around the world bid on items donated by more than 40 personalities including Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Carole Bouquet, Audrey Tautou, Sonia Rykiel, Naomi Campbell, Michael Schumacher, and Christian Lacroix. A live auction was held at Espace Paul Ricard in Paris on 20 June with people who gathered to bid against internet users. The event was conducted by a famous auctioneer, Maître Cornette de Saint Cyr. Proceeds from the auction were donated to UNHCR for its projects for refugee women.

On 20 June, a national radio channel, France Info, broadcasted a short programme every hour featuring celebrities and UNHCR field staff speaking on refugee issues.