By: Mark Leon Goldberg on June 20, 2013 In this special edition of Global Dispatches, I interview Shelly Pitterman of the UN Refugee Agency. Today, June 20th, is World Refugee Day and earlier this week the UN High Commission for Refugees released a report showing that the global number of displaced persons has reached a 20 year high. Pitterman discusses this report, describes the UN Refugee Agency’s work in Syria, and explains how the Syria emergency is complcating other humanitarian efforts around the world. Have a listen now, or download via iTunes. Previous episodes Episode 8: Suzanne Nossel, author of “Smart Power” Episode 7: Live from the UN, Volume 1. Episode 6: PJ Crowley, former State Department Spokesperson Episode 5: Octavia Nasr, Reporter Episode 4: Arsalan Iftikhar, “The Muslim Guy” Episode 3: Dodge Billingsley, filmmaker. Episode 2: Laura Seay, who you know as @TexasinAfrica Episode 1: Heather Hurlburt, National Security Network