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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Path Out #VideoGameDay
8 Jul 2022 -
Global evaluation: International COVID-19 response fell short in upholding refugee rights
8 Jul 2022 -
Smart Energy Meters for Refugees' Community Facilities
8 Jul 2022 In line with the UNHCR Global Strategy for Sustainable Energy, UNHCR, with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), launched a pilot project in the Kakuma refugee camp (Kenya) to monitor the energy consumption of diesel generators by installing two energy smart meters. The initiative is part of the Geneva Technical Hub (GTH). -
Identifying Groundwater Potential Mapping, Uganda
8 Jul 2022 The concept of Rapid Groundwater Potential Mapping (RGWPM) was elaborated to support rapid set-up of sustainable water supply and out-phasing from emergency water supply. The objective is to establish a methodology which can be up-scaled and replicated in any refugee context around the world. -
UNHCR video game lets pupils experience a refugee's perilous journey
8 Jul 2022 A Syrian refugee game developer, an award-winning Austrian company and UNHCR teamed up to create game that reveals the life-or-death decisions that refugees face. -
ES/2022/06 Joint Evaluation of the Protection of the Rights of Refugees During the COVID-19 Pandemic
7 Jul 2022 This Joint Evaluation of the Protection of the Fundamental Rights of Refugees during the COVID-19 Pandemic was commissioned under the auspices of the COVID-19 Global Evaluation Coalition. The evaluation examines the effectiveness of international cooperation and the combined response of host states, United Nations (UN) system agencies, and non-governmental and civil society organisations including refugee-led organisations in ensuring the protection of the rights of refugees during the global pandemic. Attachments: Evaluation Brief and Annexes (.zip) -
EvO/2022/10 UNHCR's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Synthesis of evaluative evidence
6 Jul 2022 The synthesis asks three main questions: What was the effect of COVID-19 on persons of concern (PoC) to UNHCR? How did UNHCR adapt its institutional environment to respond to COVID-19? How well has UNHCR responded to the needs of PoC during COVID-19? Attachments: Evaluative Synthesis Brief (.pdf) -
IOM, UNHCR and UNICEF urge European States to end child detention
5 Jul 2022 New recommendations released by the three agencies offer solutions and alternatives to the continued practice of detaining asylum-seeking, refugee and migrant children across Europe. -
Safety and dignity for refugee and migrant children: Recommendations for alternatives to detention and appropriate care arrangements in Europe
5 Jul 2022 This advocacy brief was jointly produced by IOM, UNHCR and UNICEF based on a desk review of practices in 38 European States in relation to the detention of asylum-seeking, refugee and migrant children, either upon or after arrival, for reasons relating to immigration or asylum. It seeks to put forward and urge for practical alternatives and appropriate care arrangements for children based on existing promising practices in the region.