Many thanks to everyone who celebrated Twin Cities World Refugee Day with us in 2010! Click here to see photos of the event.

The 2011 World Refugee Day celebration will be held on June 25th from noon until 6:00pm in Minnehaha Park. Check in soon for more details on the entertainment and activities to be featured.

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 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 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.

2011 Planning Committee

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 the 2011 planning committee include:

American Refugee Committee, CAPI, City of Minneapolis Neighborhood and Community Relations, Council on Black Minnesotans, EMERGE, Episcopal Community Services, The Family Partnership, Hennepin County Libraries, Hennepin County Office of Multicultural Services, International Institute of Minnesota, ISEEK, Karen Organization of Minnesota, Lao Center, Lutheran Social Service Refugee Services, Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, Minnesota Council of Churches, Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Department of Education, Northpoint Health and Wellness Center, Project for Pride in Living, St. Paul Public Schools, Statewide Tobacco Education and Engagement Project (STEEP), WellShare International, and World Relief of Minnesota.