An original cinema spot by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the European Commission Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO), under the title "Solidarity in Action", is currently on cinema screens in Athens and Thessaloniki. The spot aims at sensitizing and informing the European citizens on the collaboration between UNHCR and ECHO in providing humanitarian assistance to displaced persons in many regions worldwide, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Colombia, Lebanon and Syria.
The screening of the 30 seconds humanitarian spot started on 8 January 2009, in co-operation with the cinema companies ODEON CINEPLEX, STER CINEMAS and CINENEWS, in central cinemas in Athens and Thessaloniki. "Solidarity in Action" spot will continue to be screened in various cinema halls until 30 April 2009.
UNHCR and ECHO have been humanitarian partners for many years, striving for the protection and care of refugees and displaced persons all around the world, whether they live in emergency situations or are affected by long-lasting crises and civilian wars.
The humanitarian aid provided includes immediate response to vital needs, such as water, food, medical care and shelter, but also aims to ensure protection, especially for children, continuation of school education, clearance of mines not yet exploded, as well as resettlement programs in third countries or voluntary repatriation operations. In this context, ECHO and UNHCR make solidarity concrete by providing relief assistance.
"Solidarity in Action" is also being screened in cinema halls in Ireland and the Netherlands.