World Refugee Day 2004: United States of America

On 16 June, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie launched World Refugee Day celebrations with Secretary of State, Colin Powell, at the National Geographic Society in Washington, DC.

The three winners of the fourth annual World Refugee Day poster contest were awarded. The event was held at the National Geographic Museum's Explorers Hall. The posters were displayed at the museum throughout the World Refugee Day events.

From 18 to 20 June, UNHCR in partnership with Fête de la Musique, organised musical and dance performances, including performances by Ethiopian, Salvadoran and Sudanese groups. Refugee singers, dancers and musicians were in the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage to celebrate World Refugee Day in Washington D.C. Music and dance performances were also organised at National Geographic with 12 groups representing several regions of the world.

World-renowned photographer Zalmai, a former Afghan refugee, exhibited his photos in Washington D.C. at the National Geographic Museum's Explorers Hall and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

On 16 June, Walden media and UNHCR held an advance screening of the major motion picture, "I am David", at the National Geographic Museum's Explorers Hall. A panel of speakers, including a refugee teenager resettled in the US, the writer/director of the film, the lead actor and the UNHCR Representative, also addressed the audience.