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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Congolese refugees torn between returning home or remaining in exile
9 Dec 2021 While sporadic fighting continues in parts of eastern DR Congo, thousands who fled to Uganda have chosen to return. Others, uncertain about the future, have opted to stay. -
IKEA Foundation and Conrad N. Hilton Foundation invest in better data to boost protection and wellbeing of refugees
9 Dec 2021 -
From a refugee camp in Ethiopia, to university in Italy - Saber wants to create more opportunities
8 Dec 2021 -
HLOM side event Meaningful Refugee Participation
8 Dec 2021 Event-Flyer: The Side Event on meaningful refugee participation will provide an opportunity for organizations led by people of concern, States, NGOs, and other actors to take stock of the implementation of pledges made in 2019, share good practices that enhance the effectiveness of refugee responses through meaningful refugee participation, and inspire action from other stakeholders. -
Side events
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HLOM side event Inclusion impact innovation
8 Dec 2021 Event-Flyer: At the 2019 Global Refugee Forum, companies, foundations and business coalitions from around the world made commitments to support the economic integration of refugees. These pledges have translated into jobs, skilling opportunities, scholarships and more. The challenge now is to scale and inspire wider action. -
Age Gender and Diversity Tip sheet - Helping to ensure AGD inclusive pledges and good practices for the GRF (FRENCH version, 2021)
8 Dec 2021 (French language version) This Tip Sheet builds on the progress made at the 2019 Global Refugee Forum (GRF) to help ensure pledges address gaps related to age, gender, and diversity (AGD), including disability, in refugee responses. -
Age Gender and Diversity Tip sheet - Helping to ensure AGD inclusive pledges and good practices for the GRF (SPANISH, 2021)
8 Dec 2021 (Spanish language version) This Tip Sheet builds on the progress made at the 2019 Global Refugee Forum (GRF) to help ensure pledges address gaps related to age, gender, and diversity (AGD), including disability, in refugee responses. -
HLOM side event Advancing refugee self reliance through sport
8 Dec 2021 Event-Flyer: The side event will explore how sport serves as an effective and innovative medium in strengthening and advancing refugee self-reliance – one of the four objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees. The session aims at highlighting the key role of sport and sport actors can play in building better futures for refugees as well as to inspire further collaboration across stakeholder groups.