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WRD 2013 - Events in Canada

Ceremonies for World Refugee Day

 

Alberta

 

 

British Columbia

Victoria

Host: Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society

When: 20 – 23 June 2013

Where: Greater Victoria Public Library
• Saanich Centennial Branch, June 20, 11:30-1:30 pm;
• Nellie McClung, June 21, 11:30-11:30 pm;
• Central, June 22, 11:30-1:30 pm.

Event: The 1st Victoria World Refugee Week is planned to take place over 3 days: June 20-23, 2013. This 3 day period will feature key speakers and documentaries highlighting the triumph of the human spirit, manifested in stories of refugees who survived severe challenges throughout their journey, including in their countries of first asylum and resettlement.

Partners: Victoria Coalition for Survivors of Torture; Greater Victoria Public Library; and UVic WUSC

Contact Person: Sharmarke Mohamed, sharmarke@vircs.bc.ca

 

Quebec

Montreal

When: 20 June 2013, 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Where: Auditorium du Centre d’archives de Montréal, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, Édifice Gilles-Hocquart, 535, av. Viger Est (métro Berri-UQAM)

Event: After screening short videos made by resourceful young people on their refugee experience, the audience will have the chance to meet with three youth to hear first-hand how forced migration has impacted their lives and their families, as well as how they have successfully integrated into the fabric of Montreal.

Partners: The Mapping Memories Project of Concordia University

Contact Person: Tania Ghanem, ghanemt@unhcr.org

 

Ontario

Ottawa

When: 18 June 2013, 10:00am - Noon

Where: Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington Street
Event: World Refugee Day Award (WRD) Ceremony to recognize a refugee who has integrated successfully in Ottawa, plus recognition to an outstanding business that has provided employment opportunities to refugees. Live performances from various artists.

Partners: Catholic Centre for Immigrants; Conseil Économique et Social d’Ottawa-Carleton; Somali Centre for Family Services; and Immigrant Women Services Ottawa

Contact Person: Gisele Nyembwe, nyembwe@unhcr.org


Toronto

When: 20 June 2013, Noon - 3:00pm

Where: Yonge-Dundas Square

Event: An award ceremony for UNHCR-COSTI Human Rights Poetry Contest. The event will include live performances and information booths for agencies working with refugees and asylum seekers. At night, the CN Tower will be lit in blue in honour of WRD.
From 18 to 20 June, the UNHCR flag will be raised at Toronto City Hall.

Partners: Amnesty International Canada; Canadian Red Cross; Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture; Christie Refugee Welcome Centre; COSTI Immigrant Services; Local Immigration Partnership; Sojourn House; and the Centre for Refugee Studies at York University

Contact Person: Melissa Coward, coward@unhcr.org

 

Saskatchewan

Regina

Host: Regina Open Door Society

When: 19 June 2013, 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Where: Scarth Street Mall - Main Stage (Downtown)

Event: Event highlights include guest speaker, Getachew Woldeyesus, a former refugee client and employee of RODS, followed by the Newcomer Bursary presentation and other entertainment. Information will be provided on World Refugee Day, the plight of refugees, and their contributions to Regina.

Contact Person: Shelly Hill, Executive Coordinator, shellyh@rods.sk.ca

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Often classified unfairly with economic migrants, refugees flee their country not for economic gain but to escape persecution, the threat of imprisonment and even threats to their lives. They need a safe haven where they can recover from mental and physical trauma and rebuild their hopes for a better future.

 

The intolerance that is often at the root of internal displacement and refugee flows is also present in some of the countries that refugees flee to. Instead of finding empathy and understanding, they are often met with mistrust or scorn.

 

On World Refugee Day, let's not forget that some day in the future any one of us could be knocking at a stranger's door hoping to find a safe and friendly shelter. We should extend refugees the same kind of welcome we would like to receive if we were in their position.

 

While most refugees want to go home, some cannot safely return. But wherever they are, refugees will always strive to pick up the pieces and start over. The courage and determination demonstrated during their darkest hours will serve them well in rebuilding a new life. On World Refugee Day, let us honour them for these qualities and recognise the richness and diversity they bring to our societies.