Press Release
Published on June 20, 2011
HRF invites you to join us for a photo exhibit and reception in honor of World Refugee Day 2011, and in celebration of service in communities. Throughout America’s history, refugees forced to flee their homes because of religious, political, ethnic and other forms of persecution have started their lives anew in the United States. The event will highlight the commitment of men and women who help refugees start new lives in the United States. A photo exhibition illustrating the journeys of refugees and community members will accompany the reception. The event is sponsored by: Human Rights First, Amnesty International USA, Episcopal Migration Ministries, International Rescue Committee, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, The Episcopal church, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Women’s Refugee Commission. Key speakers include: his Eminence Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, Dr. Katherine Yun, Executive Director of TASSC International and former HRF client Demissie Abebe, Congressman Howard Berman, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Congressman Gary Peters and Congressman Jim McGovern. The master of ceremonies will be Sarah Costa, Executive Director of Women’s Refugee Commission. WHAT: Photo exhibit and reception celebrating World Refugee Day 2011. WHEN: Photo exhibit 9am-4pm, Reception 5-7pm, Wednesday, June 22 WHERE: Rayburn House Office Building, B354 45 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024 Photo exhibit will take place in building’s foyer WHO: Master of Ceremonies: Sarah Costa, Executive Director of Women’s Refugee Commission; Speakers: Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, Dr. Katherine Yun, Demissie Abebe, Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA), Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Congressman Gary Peters (D-MI), Congressman Jim McGovern (D-A). World Refugee Day, which is observed on June 20th, is dedicated to raising awareness of the situation of refugees throughout the world. The day was created in 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly. Human Rights First is a leading human rights advocacy organization based in New York City and Washington, D.C. Since 1978, we have worked in the United States and abroad to create a secure and humane world—advancing justice, human dignity, and respect for the rule of law. All of our activities are supported by private contributions. We accept no government funds.
