| Tuesday, June 20, 2006 |
| World Refugee Day 2006 |
| World Refugee Day 2006: "The United Nations designated June 20, 2000 as World Refugee Day to recognise and celebrate the contribution of refugees throughout the world. Since then, World Refugee Day has become an annual commemoration marked by a variety of events in over a hundred countries. This year, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will commemorate World Refugee Day for the sixth time with the inspirational theme: “Hope,” in order to draw the public’s attention to the millions of refugees world-wide who are forced to flee their homes."
Latest statistics indicate that of the 20.8 million people of concern, including 8.4 million refugees who have fled their countries due to civil wars and ethnic, tribal and religious violence and who cannot return home, 6.6 million internally displaced persons - people forced to flee their homes, but who have not crossed a border, 2.4 million stateless people and 773,000 asylum seekers.
In Hong Kong, where we live, there are 1,546 asylum seekers waiting for a decision in their asylum applications and 124 refugees waiting for resettlement in another country (UNHCR, May 2006).
There are many fantastic organisations, like UNHCR, helping refugees and IDPs. Christian Action is one such organisation, which assists refugees and claimants under the UNHCR and Convention Against Torture with humanitarian aid (free food, medical help, clothes, daily necessities), counselling, skills trainings, internet access, as well as advice and support.
They are currently looking for help for:
· Sponsorship of children to enable them to go to school
· Volunteers to teach language & computer classes and run recreational and sporting activities
· Doctors and Counsellors to help refugees who have experienced trauma including torture, sexual violence and bereavement
· Lawyers to offer pro-bono advice and legal representation
· Donations of good quality clothes and household items
See their website: http://www.christian-action.org.hk/ckmansions_fe.htm |
posted by Mike & Helen @ 5:35 PM   |
|
|
|
