World Refugee Day 2002: Austria

On 12 June, "The Shout", a multi-ethnic vocal group from the UK, performed at the rotunda of the Vienna International Centre. A speech was made by UNHCR, highlighting the significance of World Refugee Day and the situation of refugee women around the world.

The photo exhibition "Refugee Women" by a Swiss photographer Olivia Heussler was held at the office of the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) and Vienna International Centre.

Eight tents were set up at Am Hof Square in Vienna to present the work of the Fund for the Integration of Refugees, several NGOs (Amnesty International, CARITAS, Protestant Refugee Service, People's Aid, and some others), and UNHCR. Ms. Barbara Stöckl, a popular TV presenter, made a speech about refugee women. After UNHCR's presentation, a discussion on the national asylum policies was chaired by Mr. Lakis Jordanopoulos from the Austrian Broadcasting Agency. Refugees and asylum-seekers from over 20 countries performed in the show.