World Refugee Day: June 20, 2011

What is a Refugee?

Under U.S. law a refugee is an individual who:

• Is located outside of the United States
• Demonstrates that they were persecuted or fear persecution due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group
  Is not firmly resettled in another country
• Is of special humanitarian concern to the United States
• Is admissible to the United States

A refugee does not include anyone who ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in the persecution of any person on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

Learn More About Refugees

On World Refugee Day take some time to learn about refugees and share this information with your friends.

• Visit the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Do 1 Thing websites for more information
• Test your knowledge with a quiz.  Visit Refugeeweek.org 
• Read a book or watch a film.  The International Rescue Committee offers a list of reading and visual education materials
• Learn how famous refugees have contributed to music, film and literature
• Read a blog post about one Refugee Officer's work

Get Involved

UNHCR is a great resource. Visit their website for a list of volunteer opportunities and other ways to help.