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Church World Service resources ready for World Refugee Day, June 20
18-year-old Osman Koroma, a refugee from Liberia resettled to the United States by Church World Service and now thriving in Michigan. His story is featured in CWS resources for World Refugee Day 2008.
Photo: Carol Fouke-Mpoyo
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New York City -- Refugees' human right to protection is highlighted in World Refugee Day resources from the ecumenical humanitarian agency Church World Service.
Each June 20 was designated as World Refugee Day in 2000 by the General Assembly of the United Nations, and the first World Refugee Day was celebrated the following year. Each year governments, communities, congregations, and other organizations around the world observe World Refugee Day on or close to June 20 to salute the indomitable spirit and courage of the world's refugees.
This year's CWS flyer, suitable for use as a congregational bulletin insert or handout at community events, tells the story of Osman Koroma, a blind teenager from Liberia who is thriving since CWS resettled him and his family to Michigan. The worship resource includes a call to worship, invocation, scripture selections, and benediction.
Both resources are available to download free. They are available in both PDF and Word formats to enable "co-branding" by denominations, churches, local resettlement agencies, and others.
Also available: A story about refugee resettlement, from the Syracuse Post-Standard: Iraqi refugees start over in Central New York
The United Nations also is offering resources for World Refugee Day 2008: a poster and postcards on the theme "Refugee Rights are Human Rights." Groups planning observances may e-mail usawaedu@unhcr.org for a sample set.
According to the 1951 United Nations Convention on Refugees, a refugee is a person who, "owing to a well-founded fear of persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country."
Church World Service and participating denominations have worked together since 1946 to protect and assist uprooted people worldwide. CWS provides help and homes to refugees, resettling about 8,000 refugees and entrants in the United States every year. Congregations and affiliate agencies provide services locally.
Around the world, CWS helps meet the needs of people in protracted refugee situations through its Durable Solutions for Displaced Persons program. CWS also promotes policies and practices that support fairness, support, and welcome for the uprooted. Visit the CWS Immigration & Refugee website for more information.
Media Contact:
Lesley Crosson, CWS/New York, 212-870-2676;
Jan Dragin, 781-925-1526;
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