What is World Refugee Day?

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 a 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 festival brings together refugees from more than a dozen ethnic groups and other Minnesotans to celebrate the diverse gifts that refugees bring to our state. Festival-goers enjoy free live entertainment, food and vendors from around the world, children’s activities, a community resource fair and interactive educational displays.

Getting to the Event

Twin Cities World Refugee Day 2015 is conveniently located at the Arlington Hills Community Center in Saint Paul.

Arlington Hills Community Center is located at 1200 Payne Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55130

You can get to the event using the bus (Route 64) or visit www.metrotransit.org.

Free parking is available in the parking lot next to the center and on the streets.

 

We are proud to partner with the following organizations on the 9th annual festival.