World Refugee Day at the State House

Friday, June 20, is World Refugee Day, which Massachusetts' Office for Refugees and Immigrants will celebrate with performances and speakers at 11:00 a.m. at the State House. Scheduled performers are from Eritrea, Haiti, Russia, and Somalia, and represent the plight and hopes of refugees from Africa and around the world.

The Office for Refugees and Immigrants "promotes the full participation of refugees and immigrants as self-sufficient individuals and families in the economic, social and civic life of Massachusetts." World Refugee Day, also known as Africa Refugee Day, was established by the United Nations as a way to recognize refugees and the countries that provide a safe environment and resources for them. The image at left is from the UN.