[Archived] City of Alexandria Supports World Refugee Day

­­For Immediate Release: June 18, 2019

On June 20, the City of Alexandria will join other cities around the world in recognizing World Refugee Day. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spearheads this global initiative to mobilize cities to take action in welcoming refugees into their communities. There are 25.4 million refugees worldwide, and around 60% of them live not in camps, but in cities and urban areas.

World Refugee Day was initiated by the UNHCR in 2000, to commemorate the strength, courage and perseverance of refugees--individuals who have been forced to leave their countries in order to escape war, persecution or natural disaster. This year, the global day of recognition also represents a key moment for cities to show inclusion, support and understanding of individuals and families who were forced to flee.

Alexandria is a thriving community of engaged residents with diverse cultures. In 2007, the Alexandria City Council adopted a resolution affirming Alexandria as a welcoming community that treats everyone with human dignity and respect. In 2016, City Council issued an additional statement to further declare Alexandria’s commitment to fostering an atmosphere of inclusiveness that respects the dignity and worth of every person.

To read the City Council resolution and statements on inclusiveness, visit alexandriava.gov/96026.

For media inquiries, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.