June 20th: World Refugee Day
June 20 marks World Refugee Day. Held every year, it’s a day that we must remember all those who have used their courage, strength and perseverance to withstand war, uncertainty and fear while being forced to leave their homes.
One in 113 people have been displaced due to war and persecution, and it is so important that we let every refugee know that we support them and stand alongside them.
If you are able to donate to help refugees, please consider the following organizations: UNHCR, UNICEF, International Rescue Committee and IRIS.
Each of the above charities help displaced citizens by providing aid, shelter, food and support to refugees all throughout the world.
UNHCR also has a #WithRefugees petition that can be signed if you’d like to show your support and let everyone know that you stand with refugees.
The petition urges decision makers 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 support their families.
The petition will continue until world leaders come to a fair agreement on how to deal with the global refugee crisis when they meet at the UN in 2018. The agreement will be called, The Global Compact for Refugees.
There are many ways to make yourself aware of the world’s refugee crisis, including reading. ABC and Marvel teamed up for a comic book called, Madaya Mom – a true story of a mother and her family while they were trapped in Madaya, Syria for over a year.
Please help to raise awareness for refugees and their families by using the hashtag #WithRefugees today on World Refugee Day.
