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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Evacuation flights from Libya to Italy bring hope for vulnerable asylum seekers
25 Nov 2021 -
High-Level Officials Meeting Covid-Related Measures
25 Nov 2021 This note has been prepared for delegations participating in person at the High-Level Officials Meeting (HLOM), which will take place from 14 to 15 December at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG) in Geneva, Switzerland. It complements more detailed information provided by the Swiss authorities, which is referenced below. -
Refugee women take the lead in combating gender-based violence
24 Nov 2021 Forcibly displaced women are often best placed to lead interventions on gender-based violence and other issues affecting their communities. All they need is support and resources -
Note on international protection (A/AC.96/1211/Rev.1)
23 Nov 2021 -
Displaced Yemenis struggle to access aid as fighting intensifies in Marib
23 Nov 2021 -
Refugees count their losses as floods destroy camp in Sudan
23 Nov 2021 Months after opening, Alganaa refugee camp in Sudan's White Nile State has been submerged by flood waters, leaving 35,000 South Sudanese refugees in need of urgent assistance. -
Summary of Roundtable 2: Financing
23 Nov 2021 This document summarizes the roundtable on financing - the second of a series of five preparatory roundtables to be held in the lead-up to the High-Level Officials Meeting. -
Profiles of panelists: Preparatory Roundtable on Financing
23 Nov 2021 Short profiles of all panelists who were part of the Preparatory Roundtable on Financing. -
Refugees count their losses as floods destroy camp in Sudan
22 Nov 2021