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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Winner's bio Europe: English
2 Oct 2021 -
Winner's bio Europe: Spanish
2 Oct 2021 -
Blueprint for Joint Action - Five Accelerators for Refugee Inclusion
1 Oct 2021 -
The role of the judiciary in promoting stronger nationality and asylum systems
1 Oct 2021 -
Your Guide to Protection Care Management
Oct 2021 -
Statelessness and Climate Change
Oct 2021 Climate change is a risk multiplier for displacement. The risks of statelessness can increase when people move, including during displacement situations in the context of climate change and disasters. -
Practical Guidance for UNHCR Staff on IDP Protection in the Context of Disasters and the Adverse Effects of Climate Change
Oct 2021 -
Issue brief - Promising practices from working with RLOs in Europe - UNHCR RBE - September 2021
30 Sep 2021 UNHCR's Regional Bureau for Europe conducted a comprehensive mapping of ongoing initiatives and engagement with refugee-led organizations in 2020. This Issue Brief seeks to summarize the main findings of this mapping exercise, share the promising practices identified in different countries, and provide practical tips to further support and reinforce the work done by refugee-led organizations and refugee-led initiatives across the region. -
EU-level Report on the status of refugee-led community organisations
30 Sep 2021 The main aim of this project is to see a dramatic improvement in the quality of enjoyment of human rights by refugees and is based on the idea of supporting the active inclusion of marginalised, vulnerable or excluded communities. With this, the project seeks to strengthen refugee inclusion by supporting the empowerment of those refugees who want to play an active role in their communities and at the EU level.