World Refugee Day 2007 National Activities: India

UNHCR Representative Carol Batchelor took part in a panel discussion 19 June in the India International Centre Annexe on the topic, "Diversity at the Cost of Security?" Diplomats and local dignitaries attended the event.

A WRD event was held 20 June in west Delhi by UNHCR implementing partner New Delhi YMCA. A cultural programme included a dance by refugee children from Myanmar, singing and a dance by Afghan refugees. Nearly 400 refugees participated.

The programme in south Delhi was organized by another UNHCR implementing partner, Don Bosco Ashalayam. Held in an area where Afghan, Palestinian, Somali, Congolese and other refugees live, it highlighted the cultural diversity that refugees bring. The entertainment included dances and songs by Palestinian refugees, a dance from Congo and the "atan" dance of Afghanistan. Some 300 refugees participated.

UNHCR organized a clothes drive among staff for World Refugee Day. Invitees to the 19 June panel discussion were also asked to bring clothes for refugees. Paintings by children were made into a poster for the campaign. Embassies have also contributed and the clothes will be distributed among the neediest refugee families in Delhi.