The U.N. High Commission for Refugees has joined forces with the Justice Ministry to raise public awareness of the refugee issue and drum up support through an exhibition in downtown Seoul.

The event offers a glimpse into the life of refugees by showcasing world refugee maps, emergency kits and miniature refugee shelters. The 10-day event kicked off last week at the Seoul Citizen Hall to coincide with World Refugee Day on June 20.

It is the first joint exhibition since Korea enacted Asia’s first standalone refugee act in July 2013, which governs the application for refugee status and social security, assistance, education and other benefits.

The exhibition is aimed at honoring the courage and resilience of 40 million refugees and displaced people worldwide, including some 600 residing in Korea, the multilateral agency’s Seoul office said.

“With the number of refugees increasing at an overwhelming speed, your concern and support are most urgently needed,” UNHCR Korea Representative Dirk Hebecker said in a statement.

Along with the exhibition, the organization is scheduled to award the winners of a World Refugee Day essay contest which was held online through June 1.

The UNHCR Korea and the ministry also plan to host a forum at the National Assembly on July 1 to mark the first anniversary of the implementation of the Refugee Act and discuss Korea’s refugee policy.

By Shin Hyon-hee (heeshin@heraldcorp.com)