Athens is brimming with short film and documentary screenings, theatrical performances, art exhibitions and interactive discussions with refugees telling their stories for World Refugee Day. All of the events are aimed at raising awareness and bringing the diverse stories and issues to life for the general public.

A conference on refugees

Among the events is a conference entitled "Refugees: Today's Challenges - Tomorrow's Perspectives," which includes keynote speeches by the government, EU and UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). It is taking place at the Digital Media Policy Conference Center at 10AM local time. There's also the screening of two films entitled: "Supporting the lives of the refugees: From the crisis to integration" and "Forgotten Smiles," put together by the Embassy of Canada and the charity organization Smile of the Child at noon. 

The Greek arm of the UNHCR is also putting on a whole evening of events for adults and children alike at the famous Technopolis space in Gazi at 7:30PM local time called "Art united us and makes us stronger." The event features documentary screenings, a social circus, experiential theatrical workshop, handicraft workshops, a cricket demonstration by child refugees, traditional food recipes and traditional music from refugee countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq.

'Strength, courage and determination'

"On World Refugee Day, it's a opportunity to devote some of our time to recognizing and honoring the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of people around the world who have been forced to flee their homes," said the Greek arm of the UN Refugee Agency. "Every year, on the occasion of this day, campaigns, events and actions are organized around the world with the participation of local communities and refugees themselves, humanitarian organizations, authorities and other bodies." 

In Greece alone, according to the latest official figures, an average of 75 migrants land on the country's shores from various countries every day. There have been 12,065 people who have arrived in Greece this year through June 11. In total, there are over 16,000 migrants who remain stranded on the Aegean islands, and close to 60,000 overall in the whole of the country.