FT. LAUDERDALE – The United States, on June 20th, will join the international community in observing World Refugee Day, taking time to acknowledge the persecution and suffering experienced by those driven from their homes. Our commitment to protecting and assisting refugees is deep and abiding, part of our nation’s history, and it goes to the very core of our values. We remain committed to protecting and developing durable solutions for refugees worldwide.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has made refugee protection the theme of this year’s events. All refugees should have access to basic life-sustaining assistance, including shelter, food, water, sanitation, health, and nutrition.
The United States government is proud to be the leading donor of refugee assistance, contributing more than $1 billion dollars a year to support multilateral efforts to help alleviate the suffering of more than 36 million people worldwide including refugees, internally displaced people, and other victims of conflict.
The United States has resettled more refugees than all other countries in the world combined, historically and in the present. More than 2.7 million refugees have been welcomed into the United States since 1975, making tremendous contributions throughout our country through their talents, hard work, and creativity.
Broward County’s World Refugee Day Celebration
The World Refugee Day event, originally scheduled to be held at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fort Lauderdale, will now be held at Refugee Services’ office located at 2995 North Dixie Highway in Oakland Park, and will feature appearances by past and current clients of Refugee Services.
The World Refugee Day event will be held on Friday, June 20, 2008, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and is free and open to the public.
World Refugee Day is an observance highlighting the struggles and triumphs of refugees throughout the community. Refugee Services will present an exhibit on artifacts from Cuba, Haiti, Colombia, Venezuela, Liberia and other countries, from which many refugees and asylees originate. The exhibition will be followed by cultural dance and music performances by local artists, some of whom are former refugees. This year’s event will also include Refugee Services International Fashion Parade featuring traditional costumes and native garments from these countries, and models will include former and current clients of Refugee Services. Refreshments and ethnic dishes will be served, and prizes will be raffled. Providers of other services to refugees and asylees (e.g. Hispanic Unity of Florida, Broward Community College’s Project Renew, St. Thomas University,) will also participate by setting up displays on their services.
In 2000, the United Nations General Assembly designated June 20 as World Refugee Day to recognize the strength and resilience of refugees throughout the world. Since then, it has become a commemoration marked by several events in over 100 countries.
Broward County Refugee Services offers programs and free services to refugees, asylees, and Cuban and Haitian entrants with the goal of leading them to economic and social self-sufficiency. Services include job search, training, and placement, bus passes, child care subsidies, transitional assistance for needy families, as well as referrals for legal services, emergency utility assistance, ESOL classes and other trainings.
For additional information on World Refugee Day and other programs, contact Refugee Services at 954-537-2929 or email Anna I. Brown ([email protected]).
