Urban Refugee Protection Network (URPN) Partners, convened by UNHCR, planned a week-long event leading up to June 20, to mark this year’s World Refugee Day. Activities included exhibitions by refugees, entertainment sets, fashion shows and the launch of an online marketplace called Pamoja Collectives. The event was held in the heart of Nairobi at the Alliance Francaise. Partners included: The Danish Refugee Council, HIAS, Kituo Cha Sheria, IOM, Jesuit Rescue Services (JRS), the Refugee Consortium of Kenya, Heshima Kenya, IRC.

Today, June 20, Many of our colleagues in Nairobi had the opportunity to participate in the #WorldRefugeeDay celebrations that took place at the University of Nairobi, in Kenya. The celebration included performances by Sudanese, Ethiopian, Burundian and Ugandan refugee performers. The Guest of Honor was The Minister for Internal Security and Coordination of National Government, Joseph Ole Nkaissery. Nkaissery said that this year’s theme: ‘We stand together with Refugees’, resonated with Kenya’s quest to offer a safe landing to populations displaced by conflicts and natural disasters in the East and Horn of African region. Nkaissery said: “Kenya will continue offering protection to refugees and will invest in livelihood projects that benefit them directly. We will also engage our partners to address conflicts that trigger forced migration.” Many other dignitaries and ambassadors joined in the celebrations as well.

There was also an exhibition filled with a wide selection of products made by refugees – supported by many organizations. There were bags, carvings, paintings, jewelry, clothes, fabrics, oils, spices, postcards, place-mats, and shoes.