PHILADELPHIA — Mayor Jim Kenney and the Office of Immigrant Affairs today joined the Philadelphia Regional Refugee Providers’ Collaborative (PRRPC), a coalition of refugee resettlement and post resettlement service providers, as well as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and countless global cities and organizations in observance of World Refugee Day 2016. Now entering its 15th year, the international event is designed to raise awareness of the global refugee crisis, while honoring the strength, courage, and resilience of the growing number of people forced to flee their homes each year.
“Philadelphia welcomes refugees from diverse language and cultural backgrounds from all over the world,” said Mayor Kenney. “In our city, each of these new communities can find safety, acceptance, a community of faith, and a government that is working to create access to necessary services in their native language.”
The theme for 2016 is “creating a welcoming community” and featured remarks by refugee service providers, resettled refugees, English as a second language teachers, and employers who have given refugees their first chance at achieving self-sufficiency.
“Philadelphia has a long and proud tradition of welcoming those fleeing persecution, intolerance, and conflict,” said OIA Director Miriam Enqriquez. “We were founded on the universal principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Today, in observance World Refugee Day, we recognize the struggles and aspirations of immigrants who have been displaced from their nations in the pursuit of these ideals we hold so dear.”
In addition, community events are planned to commemorate the occasion, including the Philadelphia World Refugee Day Festival will be held on July 9th, 11-3PM at City Hall. All events are free to the public but accept donations. Festivities will include food, performances, testimonials, arts installations, and crafts celebrating Philadelphia rich history of welcoming those seeking refuge.
“The city of Philadelphia has long been a place of refuge for those displaced by conflict and crisis,” says Juliane Ramic, Senior Director for Refugee and Community Integration at the Nationalities Services Center, a PRRPC member agency. “The theme of ‘welcome’ perfectly encapsulates our vision of Philadelphia as a leader in helping resettled refugees on the path to self-sufficiency in the United States.”
On display during the announcement were photographs taken by Harvey Finkle from a series entitled, “Human, Not Illegals”. Finkle is a documentary still photographer who has produced a substantial body of work concerned with social, political and cultural issues. The photographs around the room showcased how immigrants and refugees are revitalizing urban neighborhoods with their energy and contributions.
“Simply put – refugees and immigrants work hard, want to live in safety, raise their families, educate their children and worship without fear,” said Mr. Finkle. “They bring the same desire and values that immigrants have historically brought to our country.”
Recently, the Mayor declared June as Immigrant Heritage Month in Philadelphia, joining welcome.us to continue developing Philadelphia as a welcoming city. Each year, more than 800 refugees find their new homes in Philadelphia and remains a welcoming city for refugees and immigrants. The City of Brotherly Love is one of 66 “Welcoming Cities,” participating in the Welcoming America and Welcoming Refugees Campaigns. These campaigns create inclusive communities across the nation which become more prosperous by making every member feel like they belong. Philadelphia is one of 18 participating in United for Immigration Action, a coalition that supports the President’s refugee resettlement objectives.
About PRRPC
PRRPC is a coalition of non-profit and government agencies working to improve the coordination and delivery of services to refugees in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Region.
PRRPC agencies include: American Red Cross Eastern PA Region, African Family Health Organization, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Bethanna, Bhutanese American Organization of Philadelphia, Children’s Crisis Treatment Center, City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, Grow Philadelphia, HIAS Pennsylvania, JEVS, Lutheran Children and Family Services, Nationalities Services Center, New World Association, Migrant Education, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, the Philadelphia Refugee Mental Health Collaborative, the School District of Philadelphia, SEAMAAC, Upper Darby Township Welcoming Center, Women’s Opportunity Resource Center