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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Animation to mark 70 years of the Refugee Convention
28 Jul 2021 -
Barbara Hendricks reflects on half a lifetime helping refugees
28 Jul 2021 On the 70th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, celebrated performer and Honorary Lifetime Goodwill Ambassador looks back at her 35-year role with the UN Refugee Agency. -
Eritrean refugees in Tigray caught up in conflict
27 Jul 2021 -
UNHCR urges states to protect refugees' rights, not to instrumentalize their plight
27 Jul 2021 -
Inditex
At the start of 2020, Inditex, one of the world's largest fashion retailers and owner of brands such as Zara and Massimo Dutti, partnered with UNHCR to provide large volumes of clothing to people who have been forced to flee their homes. -
UNHCR statement on the return of displaced Syrians
26 Jul 2021 As the dire socio-economic impact of COVID-19 worsens conditions for displaced Syrians, both inside Syria and in hosting countries, UNHCR calls for support for the displaced and their choices. -
The displaced across the decades, Barbara Hendricks marks UNHCR's 70th year
26 Jul 2021 -
Three refugee athletes gain sports scholarships to Canada
24 Jul 2021 Kenya-based middle-distance runners from South Sudan currently in Tokyo with the IOC Refugee Olympic Team in first intake of trailblazing athletic scholarship scheme. -
Internship a dream come true for refugee at IKEA store in Croatia
23 Jul 2021 Furniture retailer IKEA offers promise of a new start for refugees in Croatia through internship programme under a partnership with UNHCR.