About World Refugee Day 2008

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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2021 Annual Report

2 Jun 2022

The report highlights UNHCR's progress in expanding sustainable energy access for refugees in country operations against the outcomes of the Global Strategy for Sustainable Energy 2019-2025. In line with the Global Compact on Refugees and to protect the most vulnerable, energy programmes in UNHCR focused on scaling up capacity development for smart, affordable, and appropriate technologies and renewable energy in developing and least developed refugee-hosting countries.

2021 WASH Annual Report

2 Jun 2022

The 2021 annual report provides an overview of WASH service provision in the UNHCR operations. It highlights achievements in UNHCR's global efforts to ensure universal and equitable access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services that are environmentally sustainable to refugees and the host communities.

Projected Global Resettlement Needs 2023

Jun 2022

The Projected Global Resettlement Needs report contains details of the protection environment and refugee profiles in need of resettlement in UNHCR operations globally. It serves as the primary reference document for dialogue on resettlement needs, priorities, likely gaps and challenges in programme delivery, allowing informed decisions on quota and resource allocations.

Arabic version: Guidelines on supervised independent living for unaccompanied children

1 Jun 2022

This guideline seeks to assist UNHCR and partner staff working on child protection and guide them in assessing and making decisions on the most appropriate alternative care, establishing and supporting supervised independent living arrangements, and monitoring and follow-up for unaccompanied children.

Using Socio-Economic Evidence in Practice in Forcibly Displaced Settings - Volume 2 June 2022

Jun 2022

This publication highlights a collection of instances where recently generated data and evidence are used in practice by UNHCR and its partners to protect and advance solutions for forcibly displaced people and host communities. The featured examples illustrate research that is responsive to operational needs and focus on developing outcomes fundamental to refugee self-reliance: livelihoods, mental health, empowerment of women, improved food security, building solid beginnings for children, and inclusion of refugees in national systems.