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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
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.