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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Local groups offer vital assistance to newly displaced in Myanmar
22 Jul 2021 UNHCR is partnering with local communities and faith groups to help an estimated 200,000 people driven from their homes by fresh violence since February's military takeover. -
UNHCR welcomes Togo's decision to intensify its fight against statelessness
22 Jul 2021 -
High-Level Officials Meeting Programme
22 Jul 2021 -
Meet the young champion soaring to the top of the chess world
20 Jul 2021 Tanitoluwa Adewumi and his family fled violence in Nigeria and ended up in a homeless shelter in New York, where he learned the game that changed their lives. -
Meet the young champion soaring to the top of the chess world
20 Jul 2021 -
Attacks by armed group displace 20,000 civilians in eastern DRC
16 Jul 2021 -
DRC: Forced from their homes, displaced Congolese in dire need of shelter
16 Jul 2021 -
DRC: Forced from their homes, displaced Congolese in dire need of shelter
16 Jul 2021 -
Forced from their homes, displaced Congolese in dire need of shelter
16 Jul 2021 As more families flee the DRC's Beni Territory, shelter needs are mounting – over 100,000 families who have found safety in North Kivu urgently need a place to stay.