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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Summary record A/AC.96/SR/754
24 Mar 2023 -
Starting over, Central Africans returning home after years of displacement, need support to rebuild
23 Mar 2023 -
After conflict, the displaced of Central African Republic dream of going home
23 Mar 2023 Civilians displaced by years of civil war in the Central African Republic (CAR) are beginning to return to their homes, but many still lack the means. -
UNHCR wins award for innovative use of blockchain solutions to provide cash to forcibly displaced in Ukraine
23 Mar 2023 -
High Commissioner's Statement to UN Security Council Arria Formula Meeting
22 Mar 2023 Protection of Civilians: Achieving a better protection of water-related essential services and infrastructure for the civilian population during armed conflicts -
100,000 new Somali refugees arrive in Ethiopia in the past month, UN and partners are calling for urgent funding
22 Mar 2023 Joint Press Release -
High Commissioner's message on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
21 Mar 2023 Statement by Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees -
AU, EU and UN push for urgent action to address the pressing needs of migrants and refugees in Libya
21 Mar 2023 Joint Press Release -
Refugee transitions from education to employment: perspectives from Pakistan and Rwanda
20 Mar 2023 This article provides a first-person account of some key moments in the educational journeys and transitions of the authors, Rozina Zazai & Aimeé Mukankusi, both of whom have refugee status.