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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Statement of UNDP Opening by Mr. Achim STEINER
14 Dec 2021 -
Statement of Japan Spotlight session
14 Dec 2021 -
Statement of Turkey_ Ms. Fatma ŞAHİN (Turkish)
14 Dec 2021 -
Employment Pathways
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Refugee women scale Atlas mountain to tackle gender violence
13 Dec 2021 An all-female group including 13 refugees from six countries set out to climb Mount Toubkal – Morocco's highest peak – to highlight the struggle to end violence against women. -
Rapid analysis on meaningful participation pledges
13 Dec 2021 The infographic provides an overview of pledges related to meaningful refugee participation submitted at the Global Refugee Forum. The analysis includes both pledges that have meaningful participation as a main objective and pledges that specifically mention the intention to involve persons of concern in implementing its activities. -
High-level Officials Meeting List of speakers
13 Dec 2021 List of speakers for the High-Level Officials Meeting (December 2021). -
Connected Education for Refugees: Addressing the Digital Divide
13 Dec 2021 UNHCR released the Connected Education For Refugees: Addressing the Digital Divide report that provides an overview of the current status and challenges faced by refugees in accessing digital learning opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report also highlights the additional measures taken to extend access to refugee-hosting communities, putting forward recommendations on how to better design for more inclusive digital learning programmes that can benefit all learners. -
Operational Strategy for Climate Resilience and Environmental Sustainability 2022-2025
13 Dec 2021 This document explains UNHCR's plan of action to mitigate the impact of climate change on forcibly displaced people and their hosts, support their resilience and minimize the environmental footprint of humanitarian assistance. The strategy aims to improve the predictability of UNHCR's engagement in responding to emergencies brought on by climate-related and other natural hazards; incorporate climate and environmental considerations into responses; and improve the sustainability of the end-to-end supply chain.