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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Creating virtual safe spaces led by refugee women to prevent and respond to gender-based violence during covid-19-related movement restrictions
29 Apr 2022 Creating virtual safe spaces led by refugee women to prevent and respond to gender-based violence during COVID-19-related movement restrictions, An emerging practice on age, gender and diversity in Malaysia -
Partecipazione: empowering organizations led by refugees and asylum-seekers and community-based organizations to foster protection and meaningful participation in the host country
29 Apr 2022 Partecipazione: empowering organizations led by refugees and asylum-seekers and community-based organizations to foster protection and meaningful participation in the host country, A promising practice on age, gender and diversity in Italy -
Summary Note - Localization and Climate Action - UNHCR Global Consultations with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
29 Apr 2022 In 2022, the UNHCR Global Consultations with NGOs will take place in Geneva and online (hybrid format) from 7 to 10 June 2022. The themes for the Global Consultation with NGOs are 'Climate Action' and 'Localization'. These themes build on the UNHCR Strategic Framework for Climate Action and the 2021 Regional Consultations with NGOs, which focused on the Localization of humanitarian action and in many cases also examined the intersection with climate action, recognizing the essential engagement of local actors. These themes were also addressed through the 2021 Monthly online Consultations. -
Concept Note - Localization and Climate Action - UNHCR Global Consultations with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
29 Apr 2022 Since 2019, the decentralization process undertaken by UNHCR has strengthened the presence of the Regional Bureaus in the respective geographic regions. This decentralization has provided opportunities for UNHCR to engage more directly with partners at the regional level. In light of this, UNHCR introduced regional consultations with NGOs to complement the long-running Global NGO Consultations, as a way of enriching these discussions within regional operational contexts. -
Assessing the Socioeconomic Impact of COVID-19 on Forcibly Displaced Populations - Infographic
28 Apr 2022 This note on Mexico is part of a series of surveys by UNHCR and Innovations for Poverty Action to document the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 on persons of concern to UNHCR. This infographic and accompanying materials present analysis of the survey findings. -
UNHCR, States vow to step up support for solutions for those displaced by Central African crises
28 Apr 2022 -
The Nobel laureate who tackles themes of displacement, history and home
28 Apr 2022 Abdulrazak Gurnah reflects on the isolation and hostility he had to face as a young man – and argues in favour of more humane attitudes towards refugees and asylum seekers. -
Assessing the Socioeconomic Impact of COVID-19 on Forcibly Displaced Populations - Thematic Brief No. 5: the case of Mexico
28 Apr 2022 This note on Mexico is part of a series of surveys by UNHCR and Innovations for Poverty Action to document the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 on persons of concern to UNHCR. This publication and accompanying materials present analysis of the survey findings. -
Evaluación del Impacto Socioeconómico de la COVID-19 en las Personas Desplazadas por la Fuerza - Resumen Temático Núm. 5: el caso de México
28 Apr 2022