In a video on June 20, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller praised World Refugee Day, honoring the refugees that made it safely to other countries all over the world.
"I want to say congratulations to all the new citizens, and welcome to everyone who's here on this special day today as we celebrate World Refugee Day with United Nations," Mayor Kelly said in the video. "As you may know, core to who we are as a city is our refugee community for decades; we have been a resettlement location for the US State Department, and this made our city a better place to live. In fact, that is the reason why we call the International District, the International District, because of the wonderful refugees, our community, as we celebrate today we remember that we are one Albuquerque. We celebrate inclusion and equity for folks from all over the world. We're proud of the fact that we're home to so many refugees. Thanks so much for being with us today."
According to the official website, World Refugee Day 2021 centers on the "power of inclusion." The website adds that the shared wisdom of the COVID-19 crisis has convinced the world that we only thrive if we work together against any pandemic.
The website says that each country has had to do its part to keep its citizens safe. Additionally, despite the COVID-19 challenges, displaced people from all over the world have stepped up to join in the battle with the crisis.
City of Albuquerque Equity and Inclusion also noted the holiday on Twitter, saying "we celebrate and cherish our strong refugee community here."
World Refugee Day was started by the United Nations, which says that this year's refugee campaign focuses on more inclusion for refugees in health systems, schools and sports.
According to the UN, at least 20 people flee war or persecution somewhere in the world every minute.