UNHCR Ireland Book-Reading Campaign

To recognise World Refugee Day, 20 June 2016, UNHCR Ireland in partnership with libraries and bookshops across the country is running a book-reading campaign, starting the week of Monday, 13 June.

We are highlighting books based on the experiences of refugees all around the world, be it in the form of fact, fiction, autobiography or photography, many of which are written by refugee authors. The initiative allows children and adults to explore the devastating impact of war on families by reading books that highlight refugee issues. Click here for our adults booklist and here for our children's booklist.

Popular titles include ‘The Kite Runner’, which documents the boyhood friendship of two friends in Afghanistan and ‘The Go-Away Bird‘, a first-hand account of the Rwandan Genocide by a 12 year old refugee.

World Refugee Day has been recognised since 2001 and is an opportunity to salute the strength and courage of refugees; the solidarity of those countries, including Ireland, who assist refugees; and the contribution refugees make to countries around the world.

So help your local library or bookshop raise awareness and understanding by borrowing or buying one of our recommended reads. Special bookmarks and information about the campaign will also be available in the libraries and bookshops.

The book-reading campaign will be taking place nationwide from 13-24 June.

The following libraries are participating in the campaign:

The following bookshops are participating in the campaign:

Share