World Refugee Day 2003: Guinea
World Refugee Day 2003: Guinea
Some of the World Refugee Day events were held in conjunction with the Day of the African Child on June 16.
In Conakry, refugee children helped launch a campaign for registration at birth and the second session of the Children's Parliament.
They also participated in the national celebration programme co-ordinated by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Women Promotion and the Child, starting with a show by Kamaldine, a Guinean artist.
UNHCR organised a forum on the theme of Refugee Youth at Matam Registration Centre, with speeches by refugee youth representatives, UNHCR and government officials.
On June 20, cultural and sport activities took place at the Palais du Peuple. There were dances, songs, poems and football matches played by refugee women and men, NGO and UNHCR staff. Various products made by refugees were exhibited.
In Kissidougou, celebrations included an exhibition of handicrafts and other products made by refugees, plays and concerts with musicians from Conakry and the refugee community. There was a screening of films featuring the Vocational Training Centre, the Men's Association for Gender Equality (MAGE) and Community Action Against Drug Abuse (CAADA). A UNHCR film about refugee youth will also be shown.
In Sembakounya camp in Dabola, there was a series of activities from June 14-19. A cleaning campaign, a conference, a theatre show and sport competitions were held to mark the Day of the African Child and World Refugee Day.
In addition, CAADA conducted sensitisation sessions on drug abuse and alcoholism as part of the World Refugee Day initiatives.
