66 years ago today…

World Refugee Day marks the anniversary of United Nations General Assembly’s 1951 Refugee Convention outlining the rights of those displaced.

Refugees

… forced to flee their homes due to persecution.

Refugees

….promised that they should not be returned to a country where they faced serious threats to their life or freedom.

Refugees

… granted rights by the UN Refugee Convention — among them the right to work, to housing, to education, to freedom of religion, and access to the courts.

Refugees

… once welcomed in acknowledgement of their humanity and a reflection of our own. The focus of the world’s compassion and global responsibility sought to address their suffering.

Refugees

… started businesses, enriched communities, and became citizens.  They continue to strengthen the social fabric of the communities where they live by giving back so much more than what was given to them.

• Express awe to refugees for their resilience and strength to rebuild their lives.
• Express gratitude to global humanitarian workers who risk their lives to save them.
• Give thanks to those whose dedicate their leadership to saving lives of those threatened by violence and war.
• Give a donations through UNHCR to help Syrian refugees living in refugee camps  (http://www.unhcr.org/en-us)
• Give locally through agencies who resettle and support refugees:
  • Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency
  • Refugee Support Services
  • Our Bridge
  • Latin American Coalition
  • Muslim American Society – Immigrant Justice Office
• Give voice asking President Trump to expand the number of refugees our country welcomes.