What is World Refugee Day? 

Each year on June 20, we celebrate World Refugee Day. Created by the United Nations in 2001 to commemorate the 50th year anniversary of the 1951 Convention that defined the term ‘refugee’, the rights of refugees, and international standards for the protection and treatment of refugees. 

In Richmond, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is bringing the community together to celebrate refugee families who now call the Greater Richmond area their home. On Saturday, June 22, the Richmond Kickers soccer team will take on the Northern Colorado Hailstorm at 7:00 pm in City Stadium. Tickets purchased through this link will benefit IRC programming right here in Richmond! 

Please join us in creating a welcoming community for newcomers to Richmond! Buy tickets to the game through the link above! Bring your family and friends to the game! Share this event with your community to make it a huge success! 

 

Who is the International Rescue Committee in Richmond? 

The IRC in Richmond supports the resettlement of refugees, immigrants, asylees, and survivors of trafficking. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) staff help new arrivals adjust to life in Virginia by providing comprehensive case management, connecting them with housing, facilitating school enrollment, making referrals for medical care and much more. Many IRC programs continue to serve client families years after their arrival date, helping them reach personal goals, become self-sufficient, advance their careers, and apply for U.S. citizenship. 

Today, World Refugee Day provides a global opportunity to focus on the rights of refugees, their needs, their dreams, and come together to mobilize political action to help individuals forced to flee their home countries to not only survive, but to thrive. Learn more about the resettlement of refugees in America and World Refugee Day from the United Nations Refugee Agency UNHCR..