Padova: Initiatives for World Refugee Day, 20 June 2024

World Refugee Day has been celebrated annually on June 20th since 2001. The first celebration coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Geneva Convention, which in 1951 formalized the definition of "refugee."

Since that moment, the United Nations has called on everyone to take a moment to celebrate the resilience and courage of those who are forced to leave their homes, cities, and countries in desperate search of a safe place to live.

Unfortunately, the numbers are worsening: more than 114 million people worldwide are fleeing wars and persecutions - this means 1 person in every 73 (source: UNHCR).

The annual celebration aims to raise awareness, foster respect and empathy for the resilience of refugees around the world, and demonstrate what can be done to support them every day.

The Municipality of Padua, in collaboration with the association Popoli Insieme, has prepared a series of engaging activities for the evening of June 20th, 2024. Participants will have the opportunity to join a Silent Lab, inspired by the stories of refugees welcomed in our city through the SAI programme.

Following the institutional greetings and the official presentation of the Silent Lab, an aperitif will be offered to participants, accompanied by a concert by "Fluxus."

Admission is free, but registration is required and can be completed here.