In 2000, a U.N. General Assembly resolution designated June 20 as World Refugee Day. Bernard Doyle, regional office e-center coordinator for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, says special programs are planned for Japan this year. They aim to raise general public awareness of refugees. In particular these programs are spotlighting refugee youths.
"Refugee children, teenagers and young adults really need our help," Doyle said. In the words of U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan: "Young people can be key agents for development and peace. If they are left on society's margins, all of us will be impoverished."
Doyle is a young, tireless, enthusiastic Irishman whose career has taken him to many unusual places. He said: "I think Irish people in general are quite roving. My own grandparents and uncles and others led very roving lives, gold-mining in South Africa, seeking their fortunes in the Australian outback. Roving is in the blood."