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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2021 Global Roundtable on Protection and Solutions for LGBTIQ+ People in Forced Displacement - Summary Conclusions
19 Aug 2021 UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency: The Summary Conclusions of the 2021 Global Roundtable on Protection and Solutions for LGBTIQ+ People in Forced Displacement reflect broadly the collective understanding that emerged from the thematic discussions and may be understood as constituting a foundational roadmap for further action on the part of different stakeholders with regard to the protection of and solutions for LGBTIQ+ forcibly displaced and stateless persons throughout the world. -
Statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) on Afghanistan
19 Aug 2021 -
UNHCR report: Rohingya refugees, mostly women and children, facing deadlier journeys in the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea
19 Aug 2021 -
'Climate action should be a major focus of emergency preparedness'
19 Aug 2021 UNHCR has more than 17,800 staff working around the world. This World Humanitarian Day, meet Ehsanul Hoque, who works with the environment unit in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. -
2021 Global Roundtable LGBTIQ+ Persons in Forced Displacement and Statelessness: Protection and Solutions - Discussion Paper
19 Aug 2021 UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency: This Discussion Paper on LGBTIQ+ persons in forced displacement was prepared ahead of the 2021 Global Roundtable on Protection and Solutions for LBTIQ+ people in displacement and sets forth the conceptual framework for UNHCR's ongoing work on protection and solutions for LGBTIQ+ persons in forced displacement. -
Another boat tragedy off North Africa's Atlantic coast stark reminder of perilous sea journeys
18 Aug 2021 Joint UNHCR/IOM Press Release -
'We've found peace, stability and quality of life'
18 Aug 2021 Venezuelan refugee mothers start over in northern Mexico. -
Displaced Somalis and refugees struggle to recover as climate change brings new threats
17 Aug 2021 Communities across Somalia are facing disaster upon disaster with little time or resources to recover in between. -
UNHCR issues a non-return advisory for Afghanistan
17 Aug 2021