Refugees, government officials and other partners, including United Nations agencies, Wednesday gathered at Gihembe refugee camp in Gicumbi District in the Northern Province to celebrate World Refugee Day.

The camp has 12 villages with a total population of approximately 20,000 most of them being children and women.

Rwanda, hosts about 60,000 refugees including those fleeing from eastern Congo with a few others, about 21, from Uganda, Eritrea, Sudan, Chad and Ethiopia.

Jean Nsengiyera, the refugee camp leader, said the day helps them reflect on their issues as well as preparing for their future.

"It’s a great day for us as refugees since we discuss the issues concerning our daily lives and reflecting on our future,” he said. "We thank the Rwandan government for protecting us.”