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World Refugee Day 2021
Each year, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Salt Lake City is proud to join in on the worldwide celebration of World Refugee Day each June 20th. World Refugee Day offers communities around the globe the opportunity to celebrate refugees and to raise awareness of refugee stories, art, entrepreneurship and so much more.
This year there are several opportunities to celebrate:
The Utah Refugee Services Office is organizing a week-long market for World Refugee Day, featuring talented local artisans and entrepreneurs of refugee backgrounds. (See details below.)
A Taste of World Refugee Day - Join Utah Refugee Services for dinner and a movie Fri. June 18 from 6-9 p.m. at Big Cottonwood Regional Park. Presented in partnership with [Millcreek City’s] Venture Out and other partners, enjoy international cuisine from refugee food trucks and vendors, family friendly activities, a vaccine clinic and a screening of Mulan at sundown.
World Refugee Week 2021 Virtual Celebration Schedule - June 14 - 19, 2021
IRC video collaborations highlighting the impacts of IRC programs and the importance of connection:
A Table for All. Through food and working the land, refugee and new American families put down roots in their new community. Featuring Spice Kitchen Incubator and New Roots SLC.
Monday, June 22 10am to 2:30pm MT - Virtual Summit that will include a series of panel conversations between policymakers who have advanced legislation which improves integration processes, education settings, and economic environments for refugees. Alongside these panel discussions, the Summit will also elevate refugee leaders from across the United States, highlight unique partners contributing to welcoming communities, and discuss the future of refugee resettlement. (The Refugee Advocacy Lab and the International Rescue Committee.)
Refugees are Courageous - Explore five ways you can honor that courage, by taking action for refugees around the world.
Every World Refugee Day, we celebrate the contributions of refugees around the world. This year, we are proud to honor the courage of refugee artists who use their creativity to connect and heal—bringing people closer together. Through their painting, their dance and their song, these inspiring artists open a door into their world and show us who they are beyond the label of refugee.
United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) - World Refugee Day, June 20, 2021.
Join us this year on World Refugee Day and support refugees across the globe to be protected and included in health care, education and sport.
Together we heal, learn and shine.
Find out how countries around the globe celebrate World Refugee Day this year.
World Refugee Week Market
As part of Utah’s annual celebration of refugees and all they bring to our state, the World Refugee Week Market, running from June 14 through June 19 and featuring nine online stores, will feature some of Utah’s most talented small business owners. This year, artisans and crafters worked hard to prepare their online stores to ensure a safe shopping experience for the community to get to know them and their products as pandemic recovery efforts continue. Support local, refugee-owned businesses during the Market—you might find a new favorite piece of jewelry, decor or even hot sauce!
Meet a few of the entrepreneurs participating in the World Refugee Week Market this year.
Meet Rosette, owner of African Roots.
Rosette Bahati is from the Democratic Republic of Congo who started her business, African Roots, in 2006. She uses her products to display her culture and to represent the Congo in Utah and the rest of the U.S. Rosette’s store features a variety of unique home goods, jewelry, and clothing. All of her products are fair trade and are crafted both in Utah and in Africa.
Rosette creates unique pieces inspired by her home country of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Photo: Courtesy of African Roots
Through her business, Rosette seeks to demonstrate the self-sufficiency of the Congolese people, as well as their hard work and hand-craftsmanship. Rosette is a strong and smart woman who loves to be active and to be surrounded by people. She is the mother of nine children and one grandson. She works hard for her children, and their future in Utah.
Meet Morris, owner of the Massai Market.
Originally from Kenya, Morris established his store to support his family back home and share Kenyan culture. His store sells a variety of handmade goods, including home decor, jewelry, and kitchen goods. All his handmade products are made with authentic and natural materials and reflect his heritage.
Morris uses authentic natural materials to make a variety of products that reflect his Kenyan heritage. Photo: Courtesy of Maasai Market
Meet Raida, owner of Raida Arts.
After coming to Utah from Iraq, Raida turned her passion for art into her own small business. Raida makes gorgeous and colorful cork art, using hand-made dyes and one-of-a-kind designs. Raida also makes beautiful jewelry, including bracelets and rings. She uses her art to show off the culture and people of Mesopotamia. Her inspiration comes from the distinct cultures within her community that she translates into her art.
In addition to creating colorful cork art, Raida handcrafts pieces of jewelry. Photo: Courtesy of Raida Arts
Check out the Market and save the date for Utah's World Refugee Week celebrations. Learn more »