World Refugee Day!

Sixty years ago governments signed a legal document regarding the rights of refugees and the legal obligations of the states to which they flee.  June 20^th is the anniversary of the Refugee Convention.  The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has declared it World Refugee Day 2011.  In 2009, nearly 43.3 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced due to conflict and persecution. According to the latest statistics published by UNHCR, this is the highest number since the mid-1990s.  Each of us who are secure and busily getting on with our lives may well ask, "What's it got to do with me?"

I’ve told you some of the stories of people who were forced to reluctantly leave their homes and countries and arrived here with nothing and with little hope in their hearts.  Our Service Centre has helped with accessing their legal rights; provided some material help; introduced them to social and educational networks, and have always provided a listening ear, caring words and assurance that each refugee can have hope for a secure future once again.

With the help of our donors and volunteers all this has been possible.

Now you have a chance to choose to be directly involved in one or more of a range of activities that we have already planned for this month for World Refugee Day.  Even small community businesses and large corporations can participate in the ‘Give and Gain’ week by leading activities or taking refugees out.  Goldman Sachs Community Teamworks volunteers will be taking our clients out for an activity of paint-balling.  They recently decorated our Service Centre making it brighter for everyone!   The Evangelical Community Church kindly funded the transportation of refugees to attend a new ‘world music’ choir which includes refugees.  Bethan Greaves, the Director of Katterwall volunteered to run the programme.  

Schools, including HK International Scool and Bradbury ESF have also organized awareness and fundraising events.

'Fusion: Music. Lives' a social enterprise in Hong Kong, is organising a multi-cultural World Refugee evening on Friday 17^th June, including Hong Kong band Re Orientate, African drummers, DJ and some refugee experiences and art on display.  Tickets are available now.

Why don’t you contact our Service Centre on: hsd-hk@christian-action.org.hk or phone: 3583 2170 or 3176 6257 for further information or to tell us about the event or activity you are holding for World Refugee Day this month.  I’d really love to hear from you!

'Hide the fugitives, do not betray the refugees.'  (Isaiah 16:3)