Date: Saturday, 19 June and Sunday, 20 June 2010 

Time: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Venue: KL Sentral Station, Main Foyer (facing the hotels)

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

:: Learn what it’s like to be a refugee

Experience the journey a refugee makes fleeing war and persecution, and experience the reality of a refugee’s daily life in Malaysia. Walk a mile in a refugee’s shoes.

Includes:

:: Interactive exhibition space to appreciate the experiences of living as a refugee in Malaysia

:: Speaking to refugees about their lives in Malaysia

:: Photography exhibition depicting the lives of refugees in Malaysia.

:: Refugee bazaar

Refugees will showcase their heritage and culture, crafts and food through a Bazaar. The Bazaar will also generate some income for refugee community development initiatives.

:: Over 20 refugee community groups comprising refugees from Myanmar,Afghanistan,Sri Lankaand Somaliawill showcase and sell traditional handicrafts that are indigenous to their own community.

:: Proceeds will go directly to the refugee community to benefit refugee welfare initiatives.

:: Cultural display from the refugee communities

Over 20 traditional performances from refugee communities will be displayed during the event.

:: Cultural performances by various refugee community groups including refugees from Myanmar including the Arakan, Chin, Karen, Mon, Shan, Karenni and Kachin, and from Sri Lanka.

:: Other exciting activities

Other activities to be held during the weekend include:

:: Performances/appearances by Malaysian celebrities supporting the refugee cause.

:: Quizzes and games with exclusive UNHCR merchandise to be won.

WORLD REFUGEE DAY  is a salute to the indomitable spirit and courage of the world’s refugees, not just in the enduring the dangers and violence or the crises that made them refugees, but also in the courage they show in rebuilding their lives and contributing to society in difficult and unfamiliar circumstances. It is celebrated on 20th June every year, all over the world. This year’s theme is about a refugee’s hope for a new home, “They took my home, but they can’t take my future.”

This theme brings to the surface the strength and resilience of refugees in trying to rebuild their lives, be it in the host country like Malaysia, or in a third country. In the wake of having lost everthing, refugees have an incredible courage and perseverance to remain steadfast and positive in their will to survive. But they need our compassion and understanding and a humanitarian space to be able to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.

Read about past World Refugee Day events.