World Refugee Day 20 June 2015
"Most
of the world’s refugees – 86 per cent -- live in the developing world, compared
to 70 per cent 10 years ago. Most of these countries have kept their doors open
to people in search of safety, and have shown a generosity that is often well
beyond their means. I appeal to all Member States and our partners in civil
society to do their utmost to support the nations and communities that have
welcomed the forcibly displaced into their midst.."
Ban Ki-moon
 |
| Kosovar refugees fleeing their homeland on 01 March 1999 |
For years, many countries and regions have been holding their
own Refugee Days and even Weeks. One of the most widespread is Africa Refugee
Day, which is celebrated on 20 June in several countries. The UN General
Assembly, on 4 December 2000, adopted resolution
55/76 where it noted that 2001 marked the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to
the Status of Refugees, and that the Organization of African Unity (OAU)
had agreed to have International Refugee Day coincide with Africa Refugee Day
on 20 June.
The
General Assembly therefore decided that 20 June would be celebrated as World
Refugee Day. This year, Over twenty celebrities from around the world have
released a series of 30 second videos
supporting refugees as part of a coordinated campaign for this year's World
Refugee Day.
