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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Mid-Year Trends 2021
9 Nov 2021 -
Poet and activist Emi Mahmoud brings voices of refugees to COP26
8 Nov 2021 Poet and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Emtithal (Emi) Mahmoud had conversations with refugees in several countries before composing the poem she will perform at the UN climate change meeting in Glasgow this week. -
COP26: UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Emtithal Mahmoud calls for urgent global action in new poem highlighting impact of climate change on humankind
8 Nov 2021 -
Our country was already locked in turmoil and now the earth began to purge us too
8 Nov 2021 -
UNHCR: Urgent steps needed now to mitigate climate impact on displaced people
7 Nov 2021 -
Independent oversight in UNHCR
5 Nov 2021 -
Libya: First evacuation flight to Niger in over a year brings 172 asylum-seekers to safety
5 Nov 2021 -
UNHCR urges governments to accelerate progress and resolve plight of world's stateless
4 Nov 2021 -
Meet the Syrian cartoonist behind UNHCR's first-ever NFT fundraiser
4 Nov 2021 To mark the UN Refugee Agency's 70th anniversary, award-winning cartoonist Hani Abbas has created seven images that will be sold as digital assets to raise funds for Afghanistan.