World Refuge Day 2020

On Saturday 20 June 2020, World Refugee Day was marked in the midst of dramatic social change.  The United Nations (UN) declared this year’s theme for World Refugee Day is ‘Every action counts; Everyone can make a difference’.  World Refugee Day acknowledges  the strength and courage of refugees and encourages public awareness and support of the refugees, people who have had to flee their home lands because of conflict or natural disaster, persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.

The theme this year is so important  asking for everyone to step into action whilst acknowledging that everyone can make a difference. The COVID pandemic has highlighted systematic inequalities. Yet has also connected people in new ways and renewed their motivation to act for equality.

The entire week from 15 June to 21 June is dedicated to Refugee Week and the theme for the week itself is ‘Imagine’. Refugee Week is a UK-wide festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees. Founded in 1998 and held every year around World Refugee Day on the 20 June, Refugee Week is also a growing global movement.

No matter who you are or where you come from, pandemic or not; everyone of us can make a difference. Every action counts.

DON'T CALL ME “REFUGEE”

My life, my destiny has been so painful, so don’t call me “refugee” .

My heart aches, my eyes cry, I beg of you, please don’t call me “refugee”.

It feels like I don’t even exist in the world, as if I'm a migrant bird far away from my land,

Turning back to look at my village. I beg of you, please don’t call me “refugee”.

Oh, the things I've seen during these painful years. The most beautiful days I've seen in my land,

I've dreamed of our house. I beg of you, please don’t call me “refugee”.

The reason why I write all of these sad things, is that living in a meaningless life is like hell.

What I really want to say I, I beg of you, please don’t call me “refugee”.

by Amirah Year 7