June 20: World Refugee Day
Every year June 20 is observed as World Refugee Day to raise awareness of the situation of refugees throughout the world.
The observance of the day seeks to draw attention to the plight of refugees and also to celebrate their courage and resilience and renew commitment to solve refugee problems.
On this day, United Nations Refugee Agency (UNRA) also known as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) hosts various events and announces a theme for its campaign.
With this UNRA seeks to draw the public’s attention to the millions of refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide who have fled their homes forcefully due to war, conflict and persecution.
Background
- United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had proclaimed 20 June as World Refugee Day by passing a Resolution 55/76 on 4 December 2000.
- The resolution was passed to mark 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. Since then it is observed annually with different themes.
- Prior to passing of this resolution in 2000, African Refugee Day was formally celebrated on 20 June in several countries especially by Organization of African Unity (OAU) member states.
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Month: Current Affairs - June, 2016