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.
-
Profile of panelists: Preparatory Roundtable on the Launch of the Global Compact on Refugees Indicator Report
18 Nov 2021 Short profiles of all panelists who were part of the Preparatory Roundtable on the Launch of the Global Compact on Refugees Indicator Report -
Social workers rally support for displaced persons in northern Ethiopia
17 Nov 2021 -
Social workers rally support for displaced people in northern Ethiopia
17 Nov 2021 A network of over 100 Ethiopians displaced by the conflict in the north of the country is supporting others to recover from trauma and access basic services. -
Joint evaluation of the UN Joint Programme on AIDS on preventing and responding to violence against women and girls
17 Nov 2021 The Evaluation Offices of UNHCR, UNAIDS, UNESCO, UNFPA and ILO jointly managed an independent evaluation of the work of the Joint Programme on preventing and responding to violence against women and girls (VAWG) in all their diversity. This report summarizes their approach and findings. -
Sport Programming
Building on a longstanding partnership, UNHCR and the IOC have since 2014 been working together to develop a dedicated "Sport for Protection" Programme. 'Sport for Protection' (S4P) builds on the unique ability of sport to actively and meaningfully engage displaced young people to improve social inclusion, social cohesion; and the their psychosocial well-being through fun, structured sport activities that contribute to their development and learning -
Ball design competition template - Connecting for Good
16 Nov 2021 -
UNHCR report charts progress against Global Compact on Refugees
16 Nov 2021 -
Youth with refugees art contest - template ball design
16 Nov 2021 This flyer provides information about the ball design competition "connecting for good" organized by the Vodafone Foundation and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, for students affiliated with the Instant Network Schools (INS). -
Virtual preparatory roundtables