Stories of Survival and Safe Haven Arrive in Dún Laoghaire
28 September 2011
UN Refugee Agency Photo Exhibition Comes to Dún Laoghaire for Social Inclusion Week
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Office in Ireland is bringing its highly successful ‘60 Years - Stories of Survival and Safe Haven’ photo exhibition to Dún Laoghaire town for Social Inclusion Week (10-14 October, 2011).
The exhibition marks the 60th Anniversary of the UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, established in 1951. The photos tell the story of 11 refugees who came to Ireland from many parts of the world over the past 60 years and were taken by award winning photojournalists from The Irish Lightstalkers.
Sophie Magennis, Head of Office, UNHCR Ireland said:
“We are delighted to bring the UNHCR Ireland ‘60 Years - Stories of Survival and Safe Haven’ photo exhibition to Dún Laoghaire for Social Inclusion Week following its very successful run during World Refugee Day 2011 in June and its appearance as part of the PhotoIreland festival in July.
“The exhibition shows Ireland’s long history of solidarity with people in need of international protection from persecution, terror, fear and conflict. Ireland has offered a safe haven to refugees even in the most difficult economic circumstances of the 1950s and 1980s. We think the exhibition might surprise people with how deep this bond has always been.
“Social Inclusion Week shows that when we come together in a spirit of friendship, we can create a fairer and more equal society that supports and involves everyone, including the most vulnerable. This exhibition also shows the great contribution refugees have made to the communities in which they now live as doctors, pharmacists, school children and parents.”
“I believe that people in Ireland have long held a shared humanity with those who are suffering in the world. While we wish that UNHCR did not have to exist today, there are currently over 43 million people displaced by conflict and persecution who still need our help. Even one refugee without hope is one too many,” Ms Magennis concluded.
The exhibition will open Monday 10th October 2011 in the Pop Up Shop in Park House, Upper George’s St, Dún Laoghaire (beside the People’s Park). It will run from 10am-4pm daily until Friday 14th October. UNHCR will officially launch the exhibition at 12 noon Friday 14th October. Media welcome.
About UNHCR:
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. UNHCR Ireland works to safeguard the rights and well being of refugees, asylum seekers and stateless people in Ireland through the provision of guidance, training and support to the Irish authorities and through the promotion of best international standards in respect of legislation, policy and procedures.
www.unhcr.ie
About the Irish Lightstalkers:
Established in 2008, Irish Lightstalkers is a social network of photographers, journalists and professional travelers who share a passion for image making in all its forms. Regular meet-up's provide members with a lively forum where they come together to share images, discuss ideas and debate matters, be they of total insignificance or huge global importance.
