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UNHCR marks World Refugee Day in Kazakhstan

Almaty, Kazakhstan - Today, on World Refugee Day, June 20, UNHCR commemorates the strength and resilience of the more than 40 million people around the world forced to flee their homes due to war or human rights abuses. World Refugee Day was established in 2001 by the UN General Assembly.

The theme of this years' commemoration is "One family torn apart by war is too many". This day all people around the World will see the devastating impact of war on families. The photo exhibition, opened in Astana reflected the most urgent stories of our time - the story of families when they have to flee from conflicts and war. The event in Almaty, organized by refugees, told what are the challenges and successes they face in Kazakhstan. The events were attended by the diplomatic community, counterparts, and refugees in both locations.
According to the last UNHCR report, the number of refugees and IDPs assisted by UNHCR care has more than doubled in a decade - from 15 million in 2004 to 35.6 million today. This signifies that a significant number of people cannot go home with safety and dignity. Four fifths of the world's refugees live in the developing world, increasingly in urban areas. They are hosted by communities which, though often poor themselves, continue to welcome and support them.

In Kazakhstan the government provides protection to 600 refugees, and UNHCR with it's the partners, Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law, International Association for Social Projects, and Red Crescent Society are providing legal and social support to them. Durable solutions available to refugees include voluntary repatriation when conditions permit for return, local integration in a country of asylum and resettlement to a third country. In cooperation with host government authorities, UNHCR also helps refugees, asylum seekers and their children receive medical assistance and education.

"Refugees, when they flee from danger and conflicts, become the most vulnerable people. They are facing such dramatic problems, as having no place to stay, and in many cases nothing to eat, they know nothing about the future of their children. As we can see in the photos which are exhibited, Kazakhstan has generously accepted refugees and their families for more than 20 years, giving help and hope for the future and uniting the families." - said Rano Saidumarova, Officer in Charge, UNHCR Kazakhstan.

UNHCR appreciates the support received from the National Academic Library and Turan University for the World Refugee Day.