Marking World Refugee Day, 20 June 2016

On 20 June, join us in commemorating the strength, courage, and resilience of millions of refugees. Sign the UNHCR Petition!

UNHCR figures are staggering: 65.3 million people are currently displaced worldwide, of whom 21.3 million are refugeees and 10 million are stateless people. 54 % of refugees world wide come from three countries: Somalia (1.1 million), Afghanistan (2.7 million) and Syria (4.9 million)

Each day 33,972 people flee their homes because of conflict and persecution, leaving everything behind – everything except their hopes and dreams for a safer future.  

Here's one child's story:

UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, is asking us all to help them send a clear message to governments that they must act with solidarity and shared responsibility by signing the #With Refugees Petition.

The #WithRefugees petition will be delivered to UN headquarters in New York ahead of the UN General Assembly meeting on September 19. The petition asks governments to:

• Ensure every refugee child gets an education.
• Ensure every refugee family has somewhere safe to live.
• Ensure every refugee can work or learn new skills to make a positive contribution to their community.

Messages to: Mary Reynolds rsm - Executive Director MIA