The International Organization for Migration (IOM) office in Curacao, in partnership with the R4V platform, the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR and the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), engaged Jhomar Loaiza to design and install a mural to commemorate the observance of World Refugee Day 2023. The artist, a Venezuelan who migrated to Curacao, has contributed much to public art in Curacao. He donated his time to this joint effort of the R4V platform. 

Every year on June 20, IOM offices around the world, and other agencies and organizations, under the leadership of the UN, honour the strength and resilience of people who are forced to flee from conflict. This year marks a milestone achievement for the IOM Globally: since 2001 IOM teams have provided orientation training to over 1 million people on the move, including more than 700,000 refugees during the resettlement process. 

For more than 70 years, moving refugees and migrants at risk in a safe, orderly and dignified manner has been, and continues to be, a fundamental purpose of the Organization. IOM’s international movement operations continue to grow in scope and complexity, with over 100 nationalities represented among global refugee admissions.  

IOM Curacao uses public art to raise awareness and contribute to Reduced Inequalities, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, SDG10.