What’s it like to be a refugee?
To witness your family torn apart by war and conflict?
To lose everything you value – family, friends, your home –
and be forced to flee in order to save your life?
To travel hundreds of miles, on foot through dense jungles and in leaking boats across dangerous seas?
ย This is a journey made by millions of refugees as they flee war, conflict, human rights abuses and persecution.
People often misunderstand who a refugee is,
thinking that they are migrants looking for economic opportunities.
The truth is refugees have no choice but to run,
and are unable to return home safely.
In Malaysia, as of June 2011, there are some 93,000 refugees and asylum-seekers registered with the UN Refugee Agency.
The majority of them from Myanmar, but many also from other countries around the world
including Sri Lanka, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Their journey, and the journey made by millions of other refugees worldwide,
is one that is hard for us to imagine.
What we know is that in the wake of having lost everything,
refugees have an incredible courage and perseverance to remain steadfast and positive in their will to survive.
But they need our compassion and understanding and a humanitarian space to be able to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
20 June is World Refugee Day.
It is a salute to the indomitable spirit and courage of the worldโs refugees.
World Refugee Day 2011 puts a human face to the refugee issue,
that behind the numbers and statistics are real people with real stories and real dreams and desires for a life of safety.
World Refugee Day in Kuala Lumpur will be held on
18 and 19 June
9am – 4pm
at the KL Sentral Station (main entrance).
The event provides an opportunity for the public to experience the journey a refugee takes and the life they lead while in exile.
1. Experience what it’s like to be a refugee
Two experiential-learning exhibitions will re-create the journey refugees take in saving their lives, and displays the lives of refugees in Malaysia and the challenges they face daily through a photo exhibition. A photo exhibition and a general information exhibition will accompany this.
2. Refugee Bazaar
Some 20 refugee groups will participate in showcasing their crafts and food items. 100% proceeds go to the refugee communities.
3. Cultural performances by refugees
Throughout the two days, refugee groups will perform traditional songs, dances and musical instruments.
4. Others
Radio DJs and celebrities will be present to perform and meet the public with messages of support for the refugee cause. Exclusive UN merchandise can also be won through quizzes that will be held throughout the weekend.
Admission is free.
Visit www.unhcr.org.my or call 03 2141 1322 for more information.
