The U.S. Embassy’s World Refugee Day Program included speeches by refugees, an update from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on the current status of refugees in Nepal, and brief explanations by refugee photographers of their 20 photos which were on display for this event.  The refugee photo exhibition served as a fitting kick-off to other events held by the international community throughout the rest of the week to celebrate World Refugee Day 2013.  On display were enlarged panel photos from a photography project that illustrated the difference in traditional gender roles of their home country compared to those in Nepal.

The United States is strongly committed to protecting and assisting refugees world-wide through humanitarian assistance and third-country resettlement. Since 1975, more than three million refugees have made new homes in the United States, and nearly half of them have become U.S. citizens. Since 2007, the United States has resettled more than 67,000 Bhutanese refugees, and the international community has accepted another 13,000 individuals. The U.S. government gives millions of dollars in humanitarian assistance annually to benefit refugees and host communities in Nepal in the areas of health and education.

The U. S. Embassy is proud to support the efforts of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the many other groups that work on behalf of refugees in Nepal and worldwide.  We commend their commitment and generosity in providing refugees protection and assistance.

According to US Embassy press release, this week the U.S. Embassy of Kathmandu joins the international community in commemorating the courage and determination of millions of refugees around the globe by celebrating World Refugee Day with a refugee photo exhibition.  Tens of thousands of people around the world take time on this important day to recognize the contribution of refugees throughout the world, including in Nepal.