WORLD REFUGEE DAY

World Refugee Day is taking place on the 20th of June. This day aims to draw attention to hardship faced by the millions of refugees who are forced to leave their homes as a result of conflict and persecution. World Refugee Day also aims to commemorate the cultural contribution that refugees make to societies around the world. There are events held worldwide to celebrate the courage, resilience and strength of refugees and the solidarity of the countries that assist in providing asylum. There are many events taking place in Ireland to commemorate this day.

 

Nasc, the Irish Immigrant Support Centre and UCD’s Sutherland School of Law are hosting a conference to mark World Refugee Day from 10am to 3pm. The conference is titled Beyond the Single Procedure: Reforming Ireland’s Protection System, and will include speakers from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), various refugee support agencies in Ireland, legal practitioners working in the area. Karen Berkley from our office will be speaking on topic of Statelessness. The conference will serve as a forum to discuss the refugee protection in Ireland and the impact of the pending reforms. To attend this event, please contact Bethany Wynee-Morgan on Bethany@nascireland.org. 

 

The Irish Refugee Council are holding an event at Studio Six, Temple Bar Gallery, Dublin 2 at 6pm with guest speak Geoffrey Shannon, Special Rapporteur on Child Protection. The success of the Irish Refugee Council’s Advocacy programme will be discussed in light of the launch of its evaluation and resource guide for service providers working with separated children. To attend this event, please RSVP to caroline@irishrefugeecouncil.ie. 

 

The UNHCR has organised a book-reading campaign with libraries and bookshops across Ireland, beginning the 16th of June. This campaign will draw attention to books that are based on experiences of refugees, such as The Kite Runner, which will in turn educate both children and adults on the devastating impact of war on families.

 

 

UNHCR and Sport Against Racism Ireland are holding the event “The Fair Play Cup, Celebrating World Refugee Week” at the Law Society Gardens, Blackhall Place, Dublin 7. This event will draw football players from refugee and community groups and aims to highlight the positive experiences of refugees in Ireland and draw attention to the plight of refugees worldwide.