Every year on June 20, World Refugee Day is observed to raise awareness about the situation of refugees around the world. The United Nations General Assembly in resolution 55/76 decided that World Refugee Day would be celebrated on June 20.
The General Assembly in this resolution noted that 2001 marked the 50th anniversary of the 1951 convention relating to the status of refugees. Since then the United Nations have been observing the day along with more than 100 countries.
Also prior to this day, African Refugee Day had been formally celebrated in several countries to 2000. This year the theme for World Refugee Day 2019 is #StepWithRefugees- Take a step on World Refugee Day.
Around the world, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and other organization come together to host various World Refugee Day events to bring to notice of people about millions of refugees and internally displaced persons living worldwide. The day highlights the plight of millions who have been forced to leave homes due to war and ill-treatment.
On this day, schools, communities, businesses, faith groups and people from different walks of life take steps in solidarity with refugees. This year, the United Nations want the people to join together and take a step with refugees.
On average, 42,500 people leave their home to seek shelter and protection within the borders of their own country. The civil war in Syria has led to one of the worst humanitarian crises of this generation. The world’s largest refugee camp is located in Kenya town of Dadaab. The place is home to more than 3,29,000 people. As per statistics, out of 20 million refugees living worldwide, 51% are under the age of 18.
What is World Refugee Day, how severe is the Refugee crisis?
