World Refugee Day - commemorating strength, courage and perseverance

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Stirling Hinchliffe is calling on Queenslanders to show their support for refugees on World Refugee Day (Wednesday 20 June).

“World Refugee Day reminds us that right now, there are millions of refugees throughout the world seeking better lives for themselves and their families,” he said.

“The United Nations estimates that nearly 65 million people are displaced worldwide, and each day thousands more flee their homes.
 
“I’m encouraging Queenslanders to show their support for refugees and explore ways they can make a difference to those searching for safety.

“Queenslanders who come from a refugee or asylum seeker background have faced difficulties and challenges that most of us simply could not comprehend.

“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government’s 2018/19 State Budget has committed $4.3 million over three years for a new program to support vulnerable refugees and asylum seekers in areas such as finance and housing assistance.

“We live in one of the most diverse places in the world and we strive to be one of the most welcoming and inclusive.

“As such, it’s important we try to do what we can to support refugees to live with dignity, hope and above all, a feeling of safety.”

World Refugee Day is part of Refugee Week from 17-23 June.

For more information, visit https://www.refugeeweek.org.au/

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 194 548