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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HLOM side event translating principles to practical action
8 Dec 2021 Event-Flyer: Reflecting progress since the Global Refugee Forum in 2019, this event will examine innovative tools, contributions from governments and academics themselves that help ensure that displaced students, scholars and scientists are not left behind. -
UNHCR outraged as three staff members wounded in attack in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
8 Dec 2021 -
HLOM side event meaningful refugee participation list of speakers
8 Dec 2021 Biography of speakers of the Side Event on Meaningful Refugee Participation (HLOM, 13 December 2021) -
Darfur clashes displace thousands
7 Dec 2021 -
Event days
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Governments pledge over US$1 billion to support UN Refugee Agency's work for 2022
7 Dec 2021 -
Drumming against gender-based violence in Ecuador
7 Dec 2021 Afro-Ecuadorians and Afro-Colombian refugees use traditional arrullo rhythms and song to open a conversation about gender-based violence. -
Compendium - Protection-sensitive access to clean cooking (2021)
7 Dec 2021 This compendium is intended for UNHCR personnel and partners to support programme development in compliance with UNHCR policies and guidance. It outlines a step-by-step approach and a list of options to address cooking challenges when confronted with limited, inappropriate, inefficient local cooking solutions, or the lack of access thereof. -
Addressing Displacement in MENA: Roundtable on the Role of Women's Entrepreneurship
7 Dec 2021 The roundtable was a unique opportunity to provide a platform for women entrepreneurs to frame their role in issues related to displacement in the MENA region and identify innovative livelihood strategies and opportunities for refugee women through women's empowerment and economic participation. It was attended by 40 business women from across MENA and refugees from 5 nationalities and urban community centre.