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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UNHCR Grant agreements with organizations led by displaced and stateless persons - Briefing Note
10 Dec 2021 The new UNHCR Grant Agreement for organizations seeks to ensure that displaced and host communities are treated as equal and active partners. It provides grant funding to organizations led by displaced and stateless persons in order to empower them to realize their own projects and build their capacity. It also allows UNHCR to work directly with the people it serves without having to use intermediaries. -
Summary of Roundtable 5: Solutions
10 Dec 2021 This document summarizes the roundtable on solutions, the fifth of a series of five preparatory roundtables to be held in the lead-up to the High-Level Officials Meeting. -
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Meaningful Refugee Participation as Transformative Leadership: Guidelines for Concrete Action
10 Dec 2021 This Guidance was drafted by the Global Refugee-led Network in advance of the Global Refugee Forum in 2019. It identifies challenges and gaps to implement refugee participation, while providing guidance on how stakeholders can ensure participation is meaningful. -
Refugee-led innovations during COVID-19
10 Dec 2021 UNHCR dedicated its 2020 NGO Innovation Award to Refugee-Led Organizations (RLO) that developed creative responses to support their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this Award, UNHCR wishes to showcase the leadership and crucial contributions of these RLOs in supporting their communities, and thus, demonstrate the need to expand and strengthen our partnerships with them. This publication features the work of 20 organizations, including the 7 winners. -
Document library
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Congolese refugees torn between returning home or remaining in exile
9 Dec 2021 -
Linked and side events for GCR stakeholder groups and initiatives
9 Dec 2021 Timetable for the linked events and side events, which are being held virtually on 13 December for GCR 2021 stakeholder groups and initiatives. -
Amid rising needs, partners seek US$1.79bn for Venezuelan refugees and migrants
9 Dec 2021 Joint UNHCR/IOM Press release