Syrian refugees in Erbil celebrate World Refugee Day with art, hope
ERBIL, KRI, Iraq (North Press) – On Tuesday, Syrian refugees in the Qushtapa camp in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), celebrated World Refugee Day.
The United Nations designated June 20 to honor refugees around the world, and to emphasize the importance of respecting refugees in all countries.
The celebration was attended by a group of Syrian young volunteers, who showcased their paintings that reflect the suffering and pain of refugees. The event included various activities, including traditional dances, poetry reading, and a display of success stories of Syrian refugees.
Rawda Fawaz, the event’s organizer, told North Press, “Celebrating World Refugee Day is important to us because we are refugees in the KRI. We were forced to leave our country for various reasons, including war, earthquakes, and others, but we have proven our strength, and we have been able to create multiple success stories during our journey as refugees.”
Fawaz added, “Whatever happens with us, I hope that we stay strong. I also hope that war ends in our home, Syria, and that peace prevails so we can go back. If return is delayed, we have to prove to everybody that we, Syrians, are strong wherever we are.”
Painter Shinda Haj Hassan participated in face-painting activities for children, saying to North Press, “On the occasion of World Refugee Day, I participated in face-painting activities for children with designs that symbolize love, brotherhood, safety, and peace. We always hope that peace, safety and goodness prevail among all people.”
Meanwhile, fine artist Lydia Luqman told North Press, ” On World Refugee Day, I wanted to participate by showcasing some paintings. My paintings express the lives of refugees, peace, suffering and violence. I am very happy to participate in this celebration that honors and supports refugees.”