June 20, 2011 marks “World Refugee Day.” Today, Tahani Awad, a 25 year old Palestinian refugee from the el-Bared refugee camp in Lebanon, shares the spotlight with Angelina Jolie in projecting the plight of refugees around the world. Ms. Awad is the winner of a film competition organized by UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees to mark “World Refugee Day."

UN News Centre Source

“The theme of the contest, which was open to young Palestinian filmmakers across the Middle East, was ‘My World.’

We invited young Palestinian refugees to show their talents, and to tell us about their world and their lives because the refugees, and in particular, our young students deserve a chance to speak to the world,” said Filippo Grandi, the UNRWA Commissioner-General, at a screening of the winning entries.

What we received was an incredible glimpse into the reality, creativity and potential of people who have so often been marginalized and ignored but who are increasingly making their voices heard,” he said.

UNRWA is mandated to provide services to 4.8 million refugees living in Gaza, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and the West Bank.”

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged: “Let us never lose sight of our shared humanity, The burden of helping the world’s forcibly displaced people is starkly uneven. Poor countries host vastly more displaced people than wealthier ones. Anti-refugee sentiment is heard loudest in industrialised countries. This situation demands an equitable solution.”

Ms. Awad’s story is about family, and returning to the ruins of what was home at the el-Bared refugee camp in Lebanon. The camp was destroyed by heavy hostility between the Lebanese national army and Fatah el-Islam gunmen. From these ruins, this courageous young woman projects a portrayal of life overcoming adversity with film as her ally.
--By, Susan Sacirbey

Become a Fan on Facebook: Diplomat Artist, Diplomatically Incorrect

Follow on Twitter@ DiplomaticallyX


Related Reports at “Diplomat-Artist,” “Humanitarian” & “War Crimes Justice” Channels - diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/diplomat-artist

“Geena Davis – Women in Film Production”
diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/geena-davis-women-in-film-production/25536

“Made in Gaza” Formula 1 Car Race to Europe”
diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/blog_post/made-in-gaza-formula-1-car-to-race-in-europe-by-ambassador-mo/29401