Note to Correspondents

Photo Exhibition ‘In Search of Solidarity:  The State of the World’s Refugees 2012’

 

Opens at Headquarters, 20 June

 

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) will open a photo exhibition entitled “In Search of Solidarity:  The State of the World’s Refugees 2012” in the main gallery of the Visitors Lobby on Wednesday, 20 June, at 6 p.m.  It will be on display through 7 August.

Launched on World Refugee Day, 20 June, the exhibit, based on the recently released UNHCR flagship publication “In Search of Solidarity:  The State of the World’s Refugees 2012” explores key trends in forced displacement from 2006 to 2011.  Complemented by photos and seven videos depicting the stories of refugees, internally displaced, or stateless persons, UNHCR’s work with the displaced is explained.  The search for durable solutions for refugees and others of concern to UNHCR is highlighted, as well as the need for international solidarity to respond effectively to human displacement.

Today, there are more than 42 million people around the world who have been displaced from their homes.  In addition to the UNHCR-recognized refugees, UNHCR is also providing protection and assistance to 15.5 million persons displaced within their own communities.  UNHCR has therefore adapted its operations to respond to the needs of large numbers of internally displaced and stateless persons around the globe.

In commenting on the exhibition, Udo Janz, Director of the UNHCR Office in New York, stated, “Current trends tell us that displacement will not only continue in the coming years, but will take new forms.  This exhibit reminds us that the plight of the world’s displaced affects every one of us.  International cooperation and support is imperative to improve the availability and quality of protection for the displaced and to pursue lasting solutions to their plight.”

To purchase a copy of “In Search of Solidarity:  The State of the World’s Refugees 2012”, please visit the United Nations Bookshop.  For more information on the exhibition, please contact John Solecki, Senior Policy Adviser, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, at tel.:  +1 212 963 1764; e-mail:  solecki@unhcr.org.

For more information on United Nations exhibitions, please contact Jan Arnesen at tel.:  +1 212 963 8531; e-mail: arnesen@un.org; or Liza Wichmann at tel.:  +1 212 963 0089; e-mail:  wichmann@un.org; or visit http://visit.un.org.

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For information media • not an official record