World Refugee Day Art Competition 2013: 1 family torn apart by war is too many

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Canberra: 8 March 2013 - The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is holding its second annual Art Contest for Australian and New Zealand school children, with the aim of promoting greater awareness of the plight of refugees, as well as a culture of respect and tolerance toward the refugee population.

The art contest is part of UNHCR’s global "1 campaign", to create works of art illustrating based around the simple statement, "1 family torn apart by war is too many", which is also the theme for World Refugee Day which is held on 20 June 2013.

School children of all ages are invited to participate, helping UNHCR raise awareness and support refugees and displaced people to re-establish their lives and places in the world in safety and dignity.

UNHCR Regional Representative Richard Towle said: "the focus on ‘family’ is very important for UNHCR, encapsulating issues such as such as family separation during flight, family reunification, the impact of detention, the special vulnerability of unaccompanied children seeking protection, single mothers as heads of households, and diverse or extended concepts of family."

"For a school child to participate in such a simple initiative is a great way to engage in a discussion, through their works of art, and to make people think about what they can do to help refugees rebuild their lives," said Mr Towle.

Winning entries will be announced and displayed on World Refugee Day and printed in UNHCR’s 2014 desk calendar and other promotional material.

UNHCR is also inviting communities all around Australia and New Zealand to mark World Refugee Day on 20 June.

A range of posters, booklets and other information resources for schools and members of communities can be provided free of charge to stimulate discussion on these issues, through UNHCR Regional Office in Canberra at www.unhcr.org.au or by contacting  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or +61 2 6281 9108.

Entries for the art contest close on 30 April 2013.

For more information, click here to download the Flyer, Entry Form & Resource Materials Form.

We strongly encourage students and schools to participate in the Art Contest by ‘attending’ our Facebook event  UNHCR Canberra World Refugee Day Art Contest 2013. 

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