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 2014 is conveniently located at the Wellstone Center in Saint Paul.
The Wellstone Center is located at 179 Robie St. E., St. Paul, MN.
You can get to the event using the bus (Routes 68 or 71) or visit www.metrotransit.org.
Free parking is available in the parking garage next to the Wellstone Center and on the streets.
2014 Planning Committee
Organizations represented on the 2014 planning committee include: Diversity Street, New American Alliance for Development, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum Twin Cities Chapter, Lifetrack Resources Saint Paul, American Red Cross, Organization of Liberians of Minnesota, SPNN
2013 Planning Committee
Organizations represented on the 2013 planning committee include:
African & American Friendship Association for Cooperation & Development, Angel Eyes Foundation, CAPI, Diversity Street, Earle Brown Elementary IB World School, Episcopal Community Services, Healtheast Care System, Hennepin County Libraries, Hennepin County Office of Multicultural Services, International Institute of Minnesota, Karen Organization of Minnesota, Lifetrack Resources, Minnesota Department of Health Refugee Health Program, MORE Multicultural School for Empowerment, Organization of Liberians in Minnesota, United Cambodian Association of Minnesota, WellShare International, and World Relief of Minnesota.
Many thanks to everyone who celebrated Twin Cities World Refugee Day 2012!
Click here to see photos of the event.