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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Ukrainian family confronts new reality of life as refugees
10 Mar 2022 After an arduous journey to safety, two-month-old Andrii is among the youngest of more than 2 million refugees from Ukraine, but his aunt already looks forward to the day he can return. -
PowerPoint Presentation by the Director, Division of External Relations
10 Mar 2022 -
Presentation by the Director, Regional Bureau for East Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region
10 Mar 2022 -
Presentation by the Director, Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa
10 Mar 2022 -
Community workers brave the odds to help survivors of violence in DR Congo
10 Mar 2022 Lidia Ajuwa is among a group of workers who travel miles to reach survivors of sexual violence and attacks on displaced communities in eastern DRC, linking them with vital assistance. -
Geneva Technical Hub Brochure
10 Mar 2022 The Geneva Technical Hub (GTH) has been established to improve the lives of refugees, internally displaced persons and their host communities by enhancing the quality of technical programming in disaster risk reduction (DRR), energy, environment, shelter, settlement planning, water, sanitation and hygiene. -
Presentation by the Director, Regional Bureau for Southern Africa
10 Mar 2022 -
Presentation by the Director, Division of Resilience and Solutions
10 Mar 2022 -
Presentation by the Director, Division of Strategic Planning and Results
10 Mar 2022