(VNF) - Valentine's Day is not only an occasion for couples to celebrate their romantic love but it also reminds us of the love for the community. With that purpose, the UNICEF has taken this special day to launch the campaign: Refugees Welcome. The activity is an effort to bring people from refugee and non-refugee backgrounds around a dining table to "break bread and break barriers."

Refugees Welcome is an effort of UNICEF with a view to raise the community's awareness about what we can do for the refugees, as the world is witnessing the highest levels of displacement ever. An unprecedented 65.3 million people globally have been forced to leave home – among them are nearly 21.3 million refugees, over half of whom are children.

Refugees Welcome, as described by UNICEF, simply means: hosting a dinner with the participants of both refugee and non-refugee backgrounds. During the meal, hosts and guests can feel free to use food to spark conversation and share memories, enjoying the camaraderie in a cozy atmosphere. And don't forget to capture the joyful moments you have shared and post it on social media using the hashtag #RefugeesWelcome.

Little refugees in Syria are in need for love, care and protection. (illustrative photo: UNHCR)

To make sure the key goal of Refugees Welcome is attained, UNICEF also provides a toolkits giving step-by-step instruction on how to conduct the event, from pre- to post-party. The toolkits especially focuses on topics to easily start and maintain joyful conversations and other socializing activities throughout the meal.

UNICEF strongly believes that a gathering meal on Valentine's Day like that greatly helps cultivate solidarity within communities, as people can "Turn V day into We day".

For people who love to support the campaign but cannot host the dinner as suggested above, UNICEF recommends alternative for them. Sharing the Refugees Welcome graphic on personal/organization's social channels, adding a message of support, a story or even a quick recipe on Valentine’s Day, February 14th are all highly appreciated./.

( Phi Yen )