World Refugee Day 2007
Published 20th June 2007, 4:15pm
On the 20th June the HRC would like to draw attention to the courage, resilience and strength of refugees, by supporting the UNHCR's message for World Refugee Day 2007 -
"On this sixth anniversary of the United Nations-designated World Refugee Day, thousands of organizations in hundreds of countries will come together to focus global attention not only on the plight of refugees and the causes of their exile, but also on their determination and will to survive and on the contributions they make to their host communities.
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 recognize the richness and diversity they bring to our societies."
In addition, the HRC will also be interviewing Ms. Grainne O’Hara, Senior Protection Officer of the UNHCR Regional Office in Washington and assisting the UNHCR's Caribbean Unit, which will be published on the HRC website at a later date. Additional information of particular local relevance to refugees can be found in HRC’s Final Reports in CIHRC Case 1-06 Luarca and CIHRC Case 8-06 The "Balseros" Case (Cuban Migrants Arriving by Sea) which are posted on our website: www.humanrights.ky.
If you would like to contact the HRC, please address written correspondence to PO Box 30664, Grand Cayman KY1-1203 or alternatively, emails can be sent to committee@humanrights.ky.
World Refugee Day brochure
For further information contact: Human Rights Committee