June 20, 2011 - 14:09 AMT
UNHCR launches ‘1 Campaign’ in support of refugees

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has launched an international campaign to rally support for the plight of 34 million people displaced by violence worldwide, as millions mark World Refugee Day on June 20.

The ‘1 Campaign' underlines a shared humanitarian belief that there are no tolerable levels of suffering, recognizing that even one person forced to flee war or persecution, is one too many.

“I am 1 Who Cares” can now be read on T-shirts, wristbands, pins and caps of individuals showing solidarity with people in flight. The “1 campaign” also calls for action for asylum seekers and refugees. “Do 1 Thing” is the message that goes beyond the organizations usually working for people with this predicament. It engages companies, academia, creative individuals, ordinary citizens and Governments throughout Central Europe.

Damtew Dessalegne, UNHCR's representative in Armenia, said the campaign will last till the end of the year.

People can gift clothes or transfer money to aid refugees and also prevent negative attitude towards displaced persons.