Greater Dandenong Mayor Youhorn Chea joined mayors from across the globe to mark World Refugee Day.
On Wednesday 20 June, he was among the first 100 mayors to sign a joint statement calling for more communities to welcome refugees.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is running the international #WithRefugees campaign.
Cr Chea said the City of Greater Dandenong was the most culturally diverse community in
Australia.
“More than half of our residents were born overseas,” he said.
“They come from 157 different birthplaces, and many have origins in parts of the world with recent histories of conflict, violence and displacement.
“There are nearly 2000 people seeking asylum who are living in Greater Dandenong.
“We are a proud refugee Welcome Zone and open our arms to all.
“Nobody chooses to be a refugee, but we can all extend a welcoming hand to make sure these people experience the human rights they deserve.”
New UNHCR figures released on Tuesday 19 June showed a continuing five-year upward trend in the number of people displaced by conflict or persecution worldwide.
Visit www.unrefugees.org.au for more information about the #WithRefugees campaign.
