Press release

For immediate release June 3, 2010

Vancouver, BC – Losing one’s home can mean losing one’s very identity. Every day, tens of millions of refugees are forced to give up their homes and work, to lose family, friends and culture, and to embark on a journey of grave uncertainty.

In order to draw public attention to the challenges facing refugees worldwide, a number of local refugee-service organizations are marking World Refugee Day with a free, public event at the Vancouver Public Library – Central Branch, on Friday, June 18, from 11 am to 3 pm.

Participating groups include Amnesty International, Canadian Red Cross, Rainbow Refugee Committee, Settlement Orientation Services, and the local office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – and all will host displays and information tables through the day.

This year’s event is focused on the UNHCR theme of “Home” as well as on the specific barriers that face gay, lesbian, transgendered and bisexual refugees. Through a diverse range of events and activities, the public will gain an insight into what it means to be a refugee and the challenges they face when seeking asylum and adjusting to life in a new country.

Typically, the refugee experience is one of great insecurity. One refugee claimant recently told organizers that, “right now, that feeling of uncertainty is like a pain for which there is no medication. I can’t plan my future. No career, no education, or even a nice place to stay. I can only dream about it at night.”

The day begins with the presentation of a series of short films that describe the reasons people flee their home countries and showcase some of the organizations that work to protect refugees. This will be followed at 11:45 am with words of welcome and the reading of a civic proclamation by Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson.

Through the afternoon organizers will stage two mock refugee hearings and an interactive refugee panel to help the public understand the refugee claim process in Canada and answer other questions about refugee rights and responsibilities. Musical guests will also contribute to the day’s events.

The day closes with a film (Gloriously Free) and discussion from 2 to 3 pm on the difficulties facing gay, lesbian, transsexual and bisexual refugees coming to Canada.

World Refugee day takes place on Friday, June 18 from 11 am to 3 pm at the Vancouver Public Library Central Branch, 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. For more information, please contact Lesley Stalker of the UNHCR at 604-666-2151 or stalker@unhcr.org. You can also visit the event page at www.unhcr.ca/wrd/events-cana....