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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Kate's Story
21 Jul 2022 -
Rohingya and Bangladeshi teachers pair up to tackle education hurdles in camps
20 Jul 2022 Teaching together creates understanding between Rohingya refugees and local Bangladeshis. -
Directrices relativas a modalidades de vida independiente supervisada para niños, niñas y adolescentes no acompañados
20 Jul 2022 Esta directriz busca ayudar al personal del ACNUR y sus socios que trabajan en la protección de la niñez y guiarlos en la evaluación y toma de decisiones sobre el cuidado alternativo más apropiado, el establecimiento y apoyo de arreglos de vivienda independiente supervisados, y el monitoreo y seguimiento de los niños no acompañados. -
Shah fulfills his dream of teaching
19 Jul 2022 -
Transforming our understanding of refugee teachers and teaching in contexts of forced displacement
19 Jul 2022 Transforming Education Pre-Summit Side Meeting, Paris, June 30th, 2022 - Meeting Outcomes and Recommendations -
First UNHCR repatriation convoy since 2020 leaves Angola for DR Congo
19 Jul 2022 -
ES/2022/03 Evaluation Of UNHCR's Response to the 2019/20 Level 3 IDP Emergency In The Democratic Republic Of Congo
19 Jul 2022 The evaluation sets out to assess UNHCR's emergency response to the L3 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) emergency in the DRC from November 2019 to November 2020, in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, for accountability and learning purposes. Attachments: Evaluation Brief (.pdf) -
UNHCR's Grandi meets refugees and displaced people in Chad, appeals for greater international support
16 Jul 2022 -
UNHCR's Grandi urges more support as Chad confronts multiple crises
16 Jul 2022 With nearly 600,000 refugees and 400,000 internally displaced people, Chad remains a major host country despite facing its own socio-economic, political and security challenges.