DUSHANBE, June 20, Asia-Plus — UNHCR marks World Refugee Day today with a simple, powerful message for the millions of refugees and displaced people around the globe – never give up hope.
Many countries throughout the world are hosting a wide range of activities, including film festivals, photo exhibitions, food bazaars, fashion shows, concerts and sports competitions. There will also be quizzes, drawing and essay-writing competitions, tree planting, seminars, workshops, speeches, public awareness campaigns, prayer meetings, poetry recitals and an auction of refugee art.
According to information from the UNHCR Dushanbe Office, at present some 1,500 refugees are living in Tajikistan. The mainly live in Khujand and Dushanbe. More than 1,000 refugees are living in Dushanbe, according to the source. The majority of them are Afghans, who cannot return home for various reasons.
In Tajikistan, the main activities to mark World Refugee Day will be held in Khujand, the capital of the northern province of Sughd. UNHCR Representative in Tajikistan, Mr. Francisco Galindo-Veles, flew to Khujand yesterday. According to the source, he will meet with refugees living in northern Tajikistan.
Dushanbe will host activities to mark World Refugee Day on June 22. The events will be held in the Culture Center “Bactria”.
