Press releases

UNHCR supported Christmas celebration for asylum-seeking children in Latvia

Children and their families were able to enjoy a visit to the cinema and receiving gifts directly from Santa Claus. The event was organized jointly by several NGOs, partners and local community.

29 December 2022 Also available in:

On 19 December 2022, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, supported a Christmas charity event for child asylum-seekers in Latvia. The initiative was organized by Latvia’s Society Integration Foundation, UNHCR’s NGO partner “I want to help refugees”, Caritas Latvia, Latvian Red Cross and the Accommodation Centre for asylum-seekers in Mucenieki.

Asylum-seeking children and their families were invited to the cinema for a screening of the Latvian movie “Accidental Santa/Circenīša Ziemassvētki”, followed by a Christmas celebration for the children. The organizers and partners also provided gifts for each child which were handed out by Santa Claus.

UNHCR’s Representation for the Nordic and Baltic Countries provided transportation for children and their families, living in the Accommodation Centre for asylum-seekers in Mucenieki outside Riga, to and from the cinema theater.

The Christmas celebration for asylum-seekers is a reoccurring event, organized by NGOs and partners – and with support from local community – for now the seventh year in a row.