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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"Rohingya delivering messages for Rohingya, to Rohingya. This is how we dreamed to have a film school."
17 May 2021 The film school Rohingya refugee Faruque Mohammed co-founded is now delivering COVID information to refugee settlements in Cox's Bazar. -
Aiming Higher
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UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees calls for urgent support for one million displaced Central Americans and action to address root causes
15 May 2021 -
New home beckons for Eritrean family who spent a decade as refugees
14 May 2021 The family is due to be resettled to the Netherlands as part of a programme supported by UNHCR. -
Extreme weather leaves Ethiopian refugees vulnerable in eastern Sudan
14 May 2021 As the rains begin in Sudan, UNHCR and partners race to shield refugees from the risk of flooding. -
Overview of access to land and its uses by refugees in the Maratane Camp and host communities in Mozambique
14 May 2021 This note provides an overview of land access and its uses by refugees and the hosts in the Maratane settlement in order to inform related strategies in programming and policy to improve land productivity and hence increase crop output, welfare and food security. -
UNHCR, aid partners call for renewed and strong support for the Rohingya refugees
14 May 2021 -
Climate change leaves Ethiopian refugees vulnerable
14 May 2021 -
Ahmad Joudeh
Ahmad Joudeh, High Profile Supporter for UNHCR, UN Refugee Agency is a dancer and a choreographer from Syria.