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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UN High Commissioner for Refugees calls for greater support for Afghan refugees in Tajikistan
18 Mar 2022 -
Humanitarian Pathways
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UN High Commissioner for Refugees appeals for global engagement to address Afghanistan's needs
17 Mar 2022 -
Statement to the United Nations Security Council on Ukraine
17 Mar 2022 -
Polish border town welcomes refugees from Ukraine, but will itself need help
16 Mar 2022 'These refugees have lost almost everything. We need to help them. Even if that means we'll have to learn to live with less,' says mayor of Medyka, a primary crossing point for refugees. -
UNHCR Special Envoy, Ms. Angelina Jolie Statement to the High-Level Pledging Event on the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen
16 Mar 2022 -
Compilation of good practices on engaging with human rights systems
16 Mar 2022 This compilation aims to collect examples of situations where engagement with human rights systems has contributed to improving the protection environment in various countries worldwide. They illustrate the various ways to translate the commitments States undertake at the international and regional levels into concrete actions for the rights of displaced and stateless persons at the national level. -
A winning solution for refugees and Canadian employers takes roots in Pictou County
15 Mar 2022 -
Refugees fleeing Ukraine to Moldova find onward passage to Romania
15 Mar 2022 As transfers are arranged to ease the pressure on Moldova of hundreds of thousands fleeing conflict, UNHCR staff are on hand to help refugees facing an uncertain future.