Around the World Actions Honored World Refugee Day!

Two big Inside Out Actions took place this World Refugee Day to share the stories of the people who have been forced to flee their homes, to escape conflict or persecution. Today, over 110 million people are forcibly displaced throughout the world - the highest number ever recorded. This marks an increase of 20 million people forced to flee in the last two years, mostly due to the situation in Ukraine, Afghanistan, and more recently Sudan. Giving visibility to this community - which is often on the margins - is crucial today more than ever. Check out these Actions in Bogota, Cartagena, and Geneva to learn how you can take action in solidarity with refugees worldwide.

Participants standing next to our Photobooth truck as a poster is printed. Geneva, Switzerland, June 20th, 2023

Photobooth Action “World Refugee Day” -  Geneva, Switzerland

This Action underlines the message of inclusion reflected in this year’s World Refugee Day theme of hope away from home: a world where refugees are always included. Our photobooth gathered over 80 portraits of host and refugee community members to share a message of inclusion. The installation created on the façade of Centre d’hébergement collectif Rigot, a refugee and asylum seekers hosting facility across from UNHCR headquarters in Geneva amplified the stories of the people who have been forced to flee their homes, to escape conflict or persecution. Through this mosaic the public in unable to tell who is who, underlying the message of inclusion behind this Inside Out Action. 

Installation image from World Refugee Day Photobooth Action, Geneva, Switzerland, June 20th, 2023

Group Action “Toma artística por la integración: el futuro será juntxs” - Bogota & Cartagena Colombia

On Wednesday, June 21st, two huge performances took place in the main plazas of Bogota and Cartegena. The Action “Toma artística por la integración: el futuro será juntxs” gathered participants who stood with the statement: “Building the future without the migrant and refugee population is not possible, since the future is built from the present, and the present shows us that human mobility is and will be part of our realities as humanity.” 

Installation image of participants posing with posters in front of Plaza Bolivar, Bogota, Colombia June 21st, 2023

With 400 portraits in Bogotá and 150 portraits in Cartenga, this Action displayed the posters on the floor of each plaza, creating a massive installation that represents their message of solidarity and interconnectedness. All community members were invited to help create the installation. Musicians, dancers, and performance artists alike were invited to sing, dance, and share stories on top or around the work of art. This installation creatively activated the public space in order to give visibility to the resilience of refugees and spread awareness about their stories. 

Participants stand in front of Plaza Bolivar with posters, Bogota, Colombia, June 21st, 2023

This Action is made up of over 500 portraits of Venezuelan migrants, Colombian returnees (Colombians who migrated to Venezuela decades ago and are now having to return), and the Colombian host community living in vulnerable areas from the Pozon, Zarabonda, and Bayunca areas in Cartagena and el Codito, Soacha and Santa Fe in Bogota. The Group Leader Luis German was organically connected with participants through an organization that offers educational workshops, mentoring, and counseling. Luigerman shared, “The portrait-taking process was a very special experience; be able to get to know first hand the beauty, strength, and resilience of the people and especially from the women, mothers with their kids who had to flee their country with nothing to start a new life full of difficulties away from home.” 

Installation image of dancers engaging with the portraits, Cartagena, Colombia, June 21st, 2023

Participants shared that the portrait-taking process was healing - it made them feel heard and generated a sense of belonging. Their larger-than-life portraits showed that their stories have value. 

Create your own Action and be part of a mobilization that calls for human rights and a dignified life for all, especially for migrants and refugees. It promotes the integration of this population!

Participant Quotes:
“We are from here and there and we have a little from everywhere.”
“The future will be together.”
“Call action for integration.”

Behind the Scenes image during the Action's photoshoot process.