World Refugee Day 2004: Kazakhstan
World Refugee Day 2004: Kazakhstan
In the capital, the UNHCR Chief of Mission gave a speech at the opening of a photo exhibition at the Astana Art Gallery. A reception was held for government officials, international organisations and NGOs.
UNHCR also organised a sports competition in a local school for refugee children and young Kazakhs. A summer camp was set up for refugee and local children.
A circus performance for refugees also took place. Journalists took part in a seminar organised by UNHCR and a local NGO.
A seminar for refugee teenagers on their rights was organised by UNHCR, and NGOs Children's Fund of Kazakhstan and Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and the Rule of Law. Refugee teenagers got acquainted with the basics of international legislation on the rights of refugees, children, as well as with national legislation and UNHCR activities in the country.
During the seminar, a psychologist from the Children's Fund of Kazakhstan conducted a training session on sexual and gender-based violence, where the issues of home violence and violence among teenagers were highlighted. Many role plays, games and discussions took place during the seminar. The results showed that refugee teenagers are very active in discussing their problems, finding out about their rights, and sharing knowledge with their parents and friends.