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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Fresh start for Malian refugees in Burkina Faso as camp reopens
1 Apr 2021 The Goudoubo camp, empty after violence forced residents out, now bustles as schools and healthcare centres rebuild and businesses reopen. -
Hundreds of thousands displaced by violence in northern Mozambique
1 Apr 2021 -
Disability, Displacement and Climate Change
Apr 2021 Climate change may lead to a higher risk of forced displacement through an increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. People with disabilities face heightened protection risks and barriers to inclusion. -
News Comment: Six refugees among 137 killed in Niger's recent attack
1 Apr 2021 This news comment is attributable to Gillian Triggs, UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner for Protection -
Evaluation of the Telling the Real Story Project 2.0
Apr 2021 Telling the Real Story 2.0 is a UNHCR project that focuses on Communicating with Communities (CwC), who are at risk of irregular movement. This evaluation seeks to provide accountability and learning, support UNHCR's fulfilment of its commitments to the donor and provide important lessons learned for UNHCR in replicating and/or scaling up its CwC initiatives in the context of the organization's regionalization/decentralization process. Attachments: ES/2021/02 Management response and Annexes (.zip) -
Youth with Refugees Art Contest
31 Mar 2021 -
Malian refugees are given a chance to start a new home
31 Mar 2021 -
Template for ball design.
31 Mar 2021 -
News comment: UNHCR calls on Myanmar's neighbours to protect people fleeing violence
31 Mar 2021 This news comment is attributable to Gillian Triggs, UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner for Protection