Building Futures Through Education and Culture — On World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day, established by the United Nations in 2000, was created to raise global awareness of the need to protect and support refugees. However, the number of displaced people has continued to increase. According to the United Nations, there are now 42.5 million refugees who have crossed international borders and 117 million internally displaced persons worldwide—together representing a population roughly equivalent to that of Japan.
An Afghan Refugee Family (Photo by Yoshifumi Kawabata)
SVA began its activities by providing educational and cultural support to Cambodian refugees, particularly children. Over the years, the organization expanded its work across Asia and is now marking its 45th anniversary. One of its longest-running initiatives is support for Myanmar (Burma) Refugee Camps in Thailand, which have existed for nearly half a century.
Today, the approximately 90,000 refugees living in these camps face growing uncertainty as international humanitarian assistance declines. At the same time, ongoing conflict between Myanmar’s military regime and ethnic minority groups continues to make a safe return home impossible for many.
Children at the refugeecamp along Thai and Myanmar border(Photo by Yoshifumi Kawabata)
In 2024, SVA marked the 25th anniversary of its support office in the Myanmar refugee camps. To commemorate this milestone, the organization held the Refugee Children’s Cultural Festival on November 6. During the festival, children from 14 ethnic communities performed traditional songs and dances, celebrating the rich cultural diversity of the camps.
The event aimed not only to strengthen pride in each community’s cultural heritage, but also to foster mutual respect and understanding among different ethnic groups. The children’s performances were filled with energy and confidence, bringing their traditions vividly to life. The festival concluded with a moving surprise: all participants gathered on stage to sing Kiroro’s “Mirai e” (“To the Future”) together in Japanese. The performance created a powerful sense of unity and left a lasting impression on everyone present.
For people whose daily lives are often restricted within the camp environment, the festival offered a rare opportunity for joy, connection, and self-expression. The smiles seen throughout the day reflected a sense of hope that transcended ethnic and cultural differences. We sincerely hope that such experiences will help pave the way toward a peaceful future and, ultimately, a return to their homeland.
Karen Youth Performing a Traditional Dance at the Refugee Children’s Cultural Festival(Photo by Yoshifumi Kawabata)
The situation facing refugees around the world remains severe. As international support declines, uncertainty about the future continues to weigh heavily on the lives of millions of displaced people.
At SVA, we believe that humanitarian assistance must go beyond meeting basic needs. Education and cultural support rooted in people’s own traditions and identities are essential for rebuilding lives, fostering resilience, and preparing for a future of self-reliance. On this World Refugee Day, we reaffirm our commitment to standing alongside refugees and supporting their journey toward dignity, hope, and lasting peace.
June 20, 2026
Kyoei Wakabayashi
President
Shanti Volunteer Association
Read More About Our Work in the Refugee Camps
【VIDEO】Wishing for Peace from the Refugee Camp | Refugee Children’s Cultural Festival 2025
