About World Refugee Day 2008
© UNHCR photo
On June 20, we celebrate World Refugee Day. This year, events around the world focus on the fundamental need for protection. For some, this means economic security; for others, protection is freedom from violence and persecution. On World Refugee Day, we turn our attention to the millions of refugees who live without material, social and legal protection.
Since its foundation in 1951, UNHCR has protected tens of millions of refugees. For us, protection consists of tangible improvements in the lives of forcibly displaced people - from the provision of food and shelter to support for those lacking legal status or those wishing to return to their home countries. On World Refugee Day, we commemorate this vital engagement.
Protection is also about raising awareness. We cannot protect refugees if their plight remains invisible. On World Refugee Day, we will highlight the universal nature of protection. Not only are refugees protected all around the globe, but the responsibility for protection is equally global.
Ultimately, protection is a challenge that knows no borders. Neither can it be left to a single agency to provide. On World Refugee Day, we are launching a global call for action. We want to promote engagement at the grassroots level, in local communities, workplaces and online. Only through a global network of supporters can we meet the manifold needs of protection.
How can you help?
Online social utilities provide excellent tools for advocacy. Become a fan on Facebook, support our cause and share our videos, photos and latest news with your friends. You can also find us on MySpace, YouTube and Flickr.
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Collective efforts needed to protect internally displaced people
19 Aug 2022 Joint Statement by Gillian Triggs, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection and Cecilia Jimenez-Damary, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of IDPs -
'I am you and you are me': UNHCR staff draw on first-hand knowledge of displacement
19 Aug 2022 On World Humanitarian Day, we talked to three colleagues whose own experience of being forced to flee their homes inspires and informs their work. -
Fighting sexual misconduct in the midst of a pandemic - 2020 in review
18 Aug 2022 The COVID-19 pandemic, and the ensuing movement restrictions, lack of access and concerns over the health and well-being of people of concern and colleagues, undoubtedly impacted UNHCR's efforts to eradicate sexual misconduct. Despite these challenges, 2020 also provided opportunities for advancing our fight against sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and sexual harassment (SH). -
'It's up to us!' says NBA basketball star Wenyen Gabriel on visit to South Sudan homeland
18 Aug 2022 The former refugee and Los Angeles Lakers' power forward returned to his home country for the first time with a message of hope for those displaced by floods and conflict. -
As the world gears up for Qatar 2022, new football-themed education toolkit aims to build stronger communities
16 Aug 2022 -
Decentralized Workplan 22/23 Mid-year Update
15 Aug 2022 UNHCR's Evaluation Service decentralized Workplan 2022/23 Mid-year Update -
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15 Aug 2022 Over the past year, parts of Afghanistan have become safer, but the country is in the grip of a humanitarian crisis. -
Centralized Workplan 22/23 Mid-year Update
15 Aug 2022 UNHCR's Evaluation Service Centralized Workplan 2022/23 Mid-year Update -
Jordan's Za'atari refugee camp: 10 years
15 Aug 2022