User:Crossroads Foundation/Refugee Run

The Refugee Run is a simulated experience in which participants encounter, first hand, some of the issues faced by refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs). Set in a simulated war environment / refugee camp, participants meet ‘military’ personnel and ‘camp officials’ who provide a snapshot of the struggle that begins for people when home is no longer safe.

The goal of the Refugee Run is to narrow the gap between the understanding of those who are displaced and those who would like to engage with them.

History
The Refugee Run was adapted from material originally conceived by Ben Thurley from TEAR Australia. This initial concept was then expanded with input from refugees themselves and the United Nations. The Refugee Run has been hosted in Hong Kong by Crossroads Foundation since 2006 as part of their broader Global X-perience programme comprising simulations around global need: slum life, refugees/IDPs, HIV/AIDS, blindness, mobility issues, global trade, etc. They currently offer more than 30 different programmes and, as of December 2009, have had more than 35,000 participants go through their experiences.

Refugee Run during the World Economic Forum
During January 2009, the Crossroads Foundation along with the UNHCR and Global Risk Forum hosted the Refugee Run during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Participants included the UN Secretary General Mr Ban Ki-moon; Antonio Guterres the UN Commissioner for Refugees; Sir Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Airlines, and Mallika Sarabhai winner of 2009 World Economic Forum Crystal Award.

The event is being run again during the 2010 World Economic Forum (27th – 31st January).