By: Diana Tung, Posted: Jun 20 09

Regions: Global

Issues: Refugees

Tags: refugees, unhcr, world refugee day

Every year, June 20th is set aside to highlight the fact that 42 million people have been forced from their homes due to violent conflict and persecution.  Nearly two-thirds of this population are considered Internally Displaced within their own countries, with 80% of all refugees living in developing countries.  The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) considers refugees to be one of the most vulnerable populations on earth, facing severe challenges to fulfilling even basic needs.

There will be a live feed 9am to 9pm EST today from various refugee camps around the world for viewers to view a glimpse of daily life from the inside.

Here are a couple of videos that demonstrate how ICT can be utilized to empower individuals and communities living in refugee camps:

A snapshot of a collaborative film project between two American filmmakers and six Sierra Leoneans who formed a band while living in Sembakounya refugee camp in Guinea.  The film gives the viewer a sense of the difficulties associated with being a refugee, and well as how art and music can be a tool for social change.  While the focus of the film is on the impact of music, it's also interesting to think about how the film medium can help to share the story and the music of grassroots change.

Internews works closely with local organizations to help set up infrastructure and training in various parts of the developing world.  This particular clip shows how radio has been able to help strengthen human rights in refugee communities in eastern Chad.  I like how the clip demonstrates the many roles that radio can play in a community, by disseminating crucial news and educational information as well as helping individuals develop skills that will help them later on in life.  Radio can also occupy an important role in women's lives, as while they are more vulnerable to suffering from gender-based violence, female reporters are able to access other women and families to give voice to unique and personal stories on the refugee experience.

Also, a short PSA from the UNHCR featuring Angelina Jolie, which showcases how celebrities can utilize their fame and the media to raise awareness for charitable causes.  It'll be turning heads at Amsterdam Schipol airport, as well as in Washington D.C.'s Dulles and Reagan airports when broadcast at regular intervals today.

Lastly, check out the Global Action Project's Documentary Project for Refugee Youth to view a collaborative documentary on the experiences of twelve teenage refugees resettling in New York City.

[Diana Tung is a WITNESS Hub Intern]