wrd2008_2

Photo by Pat Connolly

About

In 2000, the United Nations General Assembly established June 20th as World Refugee Day.  Since 2001, people around the world have celebrated the day with events that honor the world’s more than 16 million refugees and raise awareness around refugee issues.

Twin Cities World Refugee Day is our local event that aims to:

  • Recognize the more than 100,000 refugees living in every corner of our state and celebrate the diversity of culture and experiences that they bring to our community.
  • Raise awareness around refugee issues, including: international conflicts and violence that create refugee crises, the refugee resettlement process both here and abroad, and the challenges and opportunities faced by refugees after resettling in Minnesota.
  • Build a cultural bridge between longtime Minnesota residents and our newest community members.

The event represents the many refugee communities of the Twin Cities with cultural performances, speakers, activities, food and vendors, and a community resource fair that bring together refugees, their neighbors and the community in which we all live.

Thank You to everyone who made our 2009 event a success! View photos from June 20th, 2009 here, and get ready for our 2010 event on June 5th!

Planning

Twin Cities World Refugee Day is brought to life by individuals at a variety of local organizations that serve refugees and immigrants. Organizations represented on this year’s planning committee include: The Advocates for Human Rights, Brian Coyle Center – Emerge Community Development, CAPI, Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Confederation of Somali Communitiy in Minnesota, Employment Action Center, Family and Children’s Service, Hmong American Partnership, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, International Institute of Minnesota, Karen Organization of Minnesota, Lifetrack Resources, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, Minnesota Institute of Public Health, Neighborhood House, Northpoint Health and Wellness Center, St. Paul Public Schools, Statewide Tobacco Education and Engagement Project (STEEP), Sub-Saharan African Youth and Family Services in Minnesota (SAYFSM), United Cambodian Association of Minnesota and World Relief of Minnesota.