On World Refugee Day, celebrated every year on or around 20 June, countries across the world are encouraged to call attention to the situation of refugees – particularly in Africa, which hosts the most refugees ¬– and to highlight initiatives supporting them.
This year Dun Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) – together with the Southside Partnership, the Dun Laoghaire Refugee Project and the Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) marks the occasion on 22 June at the IADT from 6pm–8pm. This will be the fifth time this event has been celebrated locally.
The theme this year is ‘Refugee Youth – Building the Future’. It is important we take the time to recognise that across the globe, there are many young people who, due to conflict or other circumstances, are forced to leave behind family, friends and all that is familiar to them.
By dedicating World Refugee Day 2009 to them, we can celebrate the many strengths, huge potential and capacity that young refugees have to help themselves and their communities.
The programme on the night will feature an informative exhibition including displays of indigenous crafts and artwork, and projects undertaken by young asylum seekers and local groups working to support them. We hope to see you there!
Rebekah Fozzard,
social inclusion officer,
Dun Laoghaire–Rathdown
County Council
