UNHCR celebrates the power of inclusion for refugees and displaced people in Latin America and the Caribbean through the arts

The JAM Festival will be a virtual event, streaming online from 16 to 20 June via UNHCR/ACNUR’s social media platforms. Seventeen countries from Latin America and the Caribbean will take part in a variety of performances including dance, music, poetry and theatre. The JAM Festival hopes to create a space where refugees, displaced people and their host communities can better cooperate, share, support and learn from each other.

Also on 16 June, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi begins his trip to the region, with visits to Panama, Colombia and Ecuador.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve all had to do our part to stay safe. Despite all the challenges, refugees and displaced people have had to step up and help take care of the communities in which they live, contributing to the development and well-being. One of the goals of the JAM Festival is to show how, when given the opportunity, refugees and forcibly displaced people can use their talents and skills to build a stronger, safer, more vibrant world.

Trinidad and Tobago takes the stage

Trinidad and Tobago’s musical performance of iconic Venezuelan folk song, Alma Llanera, will air on 17 June at 5:00pm. Featuring a harmonious blend of the cuatro and the steelpan – strings and steel – it is a perfect symbol of the longstanding cultural fusions between both countries.

“It’s exciting to see displaced and host communities playing together for this year’s World Refugee Day in a way that highlights togetherness – the theme of this year's celebrations – and the power of inclusion. I believe the more we get to know each other, for example, through cultural activities like the JAM Festival, the more we can learn to understand each other’s stories and embrace diversity. Only if we work together, can we build bridges for a world in which we can shine, heal and learn together,” said Miriam Aertker, UNHCR’s Head of Office in Trinidad and Tobago.

“We commend the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and host communities alike for their continuous efforts to include and support displaced people.”

UNHCR, as the agency that leads the global response for protection and care for people who have been forced to flee their homes, knows that inclusion and integration for refugees and those who are forcibly displaced is fundamental to build stronger societies. UNHCR calls on communities and governments to allow these people access to services, education and sports.

World Refugee Day will be celebrated on Sunday, 20 June, 2021.

Click here to view promotional video.

Click here for the schedule of events.

Follow UNHCR/ACNUR’s World Refugee Day JAM Festival events on our social media platforms:

Facebook: ACNUR, La Agencia de la ONU para Refugiados

                  UNHCR Caribbean

Twitter: @ACNURAmericas

YouTube: ACNUR, La Agencia de la ONU para Refugiados

For more information, contact:

In Trinidad and Tobago:

Carla Bridglal, Communications and Public Information Associate

bridglal@unhcr.org +1 868 685 4344

About UNHCR:

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has carried out its mandate for 70 years, saving lives, protecting the rights and building a future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We lead the international response to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. We provide vital assistance, like shelter, food and water, help safeguard fundamental human rights and develop solutions that guarantee that these people have a safe place to call home, where they can build a better future. We also help stateless people gain nationalities. We operate in more than 130 countries, using our experience to help protect and serve millions of people. Visit www.unhcr.org for more information.