KIGALI, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda on Thursday reassured refugees in the country of their safety during celebrations to mark World Refugee Day, which falls on June 20.
The national event, held at Mugombwa Refugee Camp in Gisagara District in southern Rwanda, featured an exhibition of agricultural and handicraft products made by refugees for self-sustenance.
Speaking at the event, Albert Murasira, Rwandan minister in charge of emergency management, reiterated that the government remains committed to upholding all of Rwanda's international and national obligations relating to refugees and asylum seekers.
"Rwanda's security and generosity toward the protection of people in danger are unquestionable; baseless accusations will never be accepted," he said.
"Rwanda put in place favorable policies enabling the socio-economic inclusion of refugees and has consistently expressed commitment to its international obligations," he added.
Murasira thanked the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its partners for their cooperation and partnership in ensuring effective protection and assistance to refugees.
Rwanda hosts more than 135,000 refugees.
World Refugee Day, an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe, was set for the first time on June 20, 2001, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. ■