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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States urged to build on progress made since Global Refugee Forum
16 Dec 2021 Increased responsibility sharing by governments is key to maintaining momentum in finding new approaches to global displacement, UNHCR's Grandi tells officials. -
Emerging Lessons from World Bank Group Social Protection Investments in Refugee-Hosting Areas
16 Dec 2021 This review considers UNHCR support to eight RSW-funded social protection projects managed by the WBG Social Protection and Jobs (SPJ) Global Practice, in Bangladesh, Mauritania, Djibouti, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Republic of Congo (RoC), Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and Chad. -
UNHCR and Community of Sant'Egidio sign agreement to address refugee challenge globally
16 Dec 2021 -
Inclusion of Refugees in Government Social Protection Systems in Africa
16 Dec 2021 This study is undertaken to better understand the inclusion of refugees in government social protection programmes in eight countries in Africa. It maps and reviews the enabling factors for inclusion and formulates recommendations for action, drawn from the evidence base provided by UNHCR Country Offices, complemented by analysis of social protection focal points by the three Africa Regional Bureaus (RBs) and the Division of Resilience and Solutions (DRS). -
Displaced families in Kabul caught in downward spiral
16 Dec 2021 Months after fleeing to Afghanistan's capital, aid is the only lifeline for many displaced families trying to survive a winter of soaring unemployment and food costs. -
Evaluation of UNHCR's Level-3 emergency response to cyclone Idai
15 Dec 2021 -
High Commissioner's remarks at the closing of the High Level Officials Meeting
15 Dec 2021 -
Afghanistan on the brink - displaced families face "humanitarian catastrophe"
15 Dec 2021 -
Without documents, women at high risk of gender-based violence
15 Dec 2021 UNHCR is advocating for women and girls in South Africa to acquire identity documents which can help reduce the risk of statelessness, and physical and psychological abuse.