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World Refugee Day 2003: Mexico

World Refugee Day 2003: Mexico

20 June 2003

A photo exhibition at Mexico City's Refugee Park called attention to the plight of Colombia's refugees and displaced people. © UNHCR/M.Echandi

A World Refugee Day Festival was held in Mexico City's Refugee Park to raise public awareness. Audiences saw a photo exhibition, "Arrancados de Raíz", about Colombia's refugees and displaced people. They were also treated to a puppet show, music performances, as well as displays and sales of handicraft and cuisine by refugees.

Spectators at the World Refugee Day Festival were entertained by a puppet show and music performances.

In Tapachula, a reception was held at the UNHCR office on June 20, attended by local authorities, members of civil society, refugees and asylum seekers. The same photo series, "Arrancados de Raíz", was displayed in the halls. A young refugee from Colombia gave a speech about the situation of young people forced to leave their homeland to save their lives.

TV Azteca broadcast a 10-minute interview with a UNHCR official in an afternoon news programme on June 20.

On June 22, the Catholic mass at the Albergue Belén was dedicated to refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. The photo series, "Arrancados de Raíz", was also exhibited there.