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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Connected Education Video
13 Dec 2021 -
High-Level Officials Meeting List of Participants
13 Dec 2021 List of participants for the High-Level Officials Meeting (December 2021). -
UNHCR's Task Team on engagement and partnership with organizations led by displaced and stateless persons Briefing Note
10 Dec 2021 This briefing note details the work of the UNHCR's Multi-Divisional Task Team for engagement and partnership with organizations led by displaced and stateless persons. It includes the objectives of the task team and an overview of its activities to date. -
Gender-based violence survivors learn to rebuild engines as they rebuild lives
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Refugee Environmental Protection Fund
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DRC. SGBV survivors learn auto mechanics
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Goodwill Ambassador Ben Stiller: five years with UNHCR
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Issue brief: promising practices from working with refugee-led organizations in Europe
10 Dec 2021 UNHCR's Regional Bureau for Europe conducted a comprehensive mapping of ongoing initiatives and engagement with refugee-led organizations in 2020. This Issue Brief seeks to summarize the main findings of this mapping exercise, share the promising practices identified in different countries and provide practical tips to further support and reinforce the work done by refugee-led organizations and refugee-led initiatives across the region. -
Refugee-Led Innovation Fund Concept Note
10 Dec 2021 The Refugee-Led Innovation Fund co-designed by UNHCR and refugee-led organizations proposes a fundamental shift in programme architecture. It takes a grassroots approach by which refugees get the direct support and resources they need. The concept note highlights key challenges, approaches and objectives of the fund.