Red Cross Marks World Refugee Day with a Call For Volunteers

Every minute, eight people around the world are forced to flee their homes to escape conflict or persecution.

Communities around New Zealand are joining together this week to honour the courage, strength and determination of women, men and children who are forced to make such a journey.

World Refugee Day will be celebrated on Thursday June 20th. The theme ‘one family torn apart by conflict is too many’ sadly reflects the situation of many people Red Cross works with globally , from conflict zones such as Syria and Mali, to here at home in New Zealand.

World Refugee Day was officially marked last week in Parliament with an event held by New Zealand Red Cross and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees hosted by the Minister of Immigration, Hon Michael Woodhouse.

Against the backdrop of the unfolding crisis in Syria, where refugee numbers having now surpassed 1.5 million, New Zealand Red Cross National President, Dr Jenny McMahon, reminded attendees at the parliament event that the global community cannot become complacent.

“New Zealanders can be proud of our country’s commitment to helping those who have fled, but we can do more to assist and support people who find themselves in such situations of vulnerability. This includes quota refugees who are rebuilding their lives, to those who are seeking protection and asylum in New Zealand.”

One great way to support is by volunteering with New Zealand Red Cross to help a recently arrived refugee family build a new life in New Zealand.

Community volunteers are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to assist newly-arrived refugees with orientation around their local community, setting up new homes and linking families up with local social service providers.

Volunteer support opportunities are available in Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington and Nelson. Further information on volunteer opportunities can be found at www.refugeeservices.org.nz .

ENDS

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