World Refugee Day 2003: Tajikistan
World Refugee Day 2003: Tajikistan
In co-operation with its partner agency Society and Law, UNHCR organised a court debate between law students at the Tajik National State University on June 18.
Two teams debated the case of an Afghan refugee appealing the State Migration Service's decision not to extend his refugee status. The judges ruled in favour of the refugee after hearing arguments based on the national legislation as well as international refugee legal instruments.
After the event, UNHCR Representative in Tajikistan Nicholas Coussidis announced that the agency was donating books to the Law Faculty library. He also visited an Internet centre where UNHCR and the Swiss Cooperation Office were funding Internet classes and free Internet access for teachers and students alike.
Other celebrations included performances by Afghan refugees - songs, dances and a fashion show of home-made Afghan and Tajik dresses - and an exhibition of winning works from the drawing contest, "What is a refugee?" There was also a thank you ceremony for UNHCR's implementing partners and two young Afghan refugees who were active in helping out at the Refugee Social and Legal Centre.
