20th June 2023 – World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day is held on June 20th. This is an annual event, held on the same date each year. World Refugee Day honours the strength and courage of refugees and encourages public awareness and support of the refugees, people who have had to flee their home lands because of conflict or natural disaster.
Created to mark the participation of the first ever refugee team in the 2016 Olympics., The flag of the Refugee Nation was designed by the artist Yara Said, a Syrian refugee who found asylum in Amsterdam.
“Black and orange is a symbol of solidarity with all these brave souls that had to wear lifevests to cross the sea to look for safety in a new country. Since I had wear one, I have a personal engagement with these life-vests, and these two colours.”
Chipping Norton Town Council is proud to fly the Refugee Nation flag today, where Town Mayor Cllr Sandra Coleman was joined at the flag raising ceremony by members from Asylum Welcome, Chipping Norton Amnesty International, and the Charlbury Refugee Action Group:
Tony Samuel, Co Chair of Asylum Welcome – “There has never been a tougher time for refugees and asylum seekers, but we’re delighted that people in Chipping Norton really care about their welfare.”
Heather Leonard of Chipping Norton Amnesty International – “Amnesty International have a strong group in Chipping Norton, and are currently opposing the illegal migration bill and are actively writing to MPs.”
Kate Ward of Charlbury Refugee Action Group – “CRAG is pleased to be here today supporting Chipping Norton Amnesty who give us a lot of support to enable us to assist refugees coming to the UK and those who are settling in this area.”
