On June 20th, 2009, World Refugee Day takes place around the globe. This annual commemoration is “marked by a variety of events in more than 100 countries, involving government officials, humanitarian aid workers, celebrities, civilians and the forcibly displaced themselves” (unhcr.org). It is a big opportunity for such UN Agencies like the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and individual organizations alike, to create awareness about refugees and other displaced people. According to the UNHCR website, “headquarters and field staff have been planning for World Refugee Day for months and have prepared a wide range of activities focusing on this year’s theme of ‘Real People, Real Needs’ and include light shows, film screenings, photography exhibitions, lectures, panel discussions, food bazaars, fashion shows, cultural performances, concerts and sports contests.”

It is slowly becoming accepted that there is a direct link between the effects of climate change and people being driven from their homes. Given the recent momentum at the Bonn Climate Change Talks to recognize persons displaced by climate change (known by the wider public as “climate refugees” or “environmental refugees”), there is no doubt that many World Refugee Day events will be conveying the issue on some level of relevance. This day could be a time for reflection on not only the fear refugees face of being persecuted for reasons such as race, religion, and nationality, but also reasons of environmental persecution.

Angelina Jolie, who is a longtime advocate and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, has recorded a public service announcement (PSA) hoping to draw much needed attention from the general public to the plight of the millions of people around the world who have been forced to leave their homelands.

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World Refugee Day 2009 resources around the web:

World Refugee Day photo galleries »

Article which highlights World Refugee Day events in various countries around the world »

Refugee video series: A glimpse through the eyes of refugees »

Causes on Facebook – World Refugee Day 2009 »

World Refugee Day at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) »