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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WFP, UNHCR appeal for funding for over 3 million refugees hit by ration cuts in Eastern Africa
2 Mar 2021 -
Surging violence in Nigeria drives displacement to Niger
2 Mar 2021 -
UNHCR to relocate thousands of Central African refugees to safer locations
2 Mar 2021 -
Fleeing bandit attacks, Nigerian villagers seek safety in Niger
2 Mar 2021 Around 77,000 Nigerians have sought refuge in Niger's Maradi region, some 7,660 since the start of the year as banditry and armed attacks spread. -
Rampant attacks in north-west Nigeria displace thousands in first two months of the year
2 Mar 2021 -
The Impact of Government-Sponsored Refugee Resettlement: A Meta Study of Findings from Six Countries
2 Mar 2021 A meta-study of existing research on the integration outcomes of resettled refuges and the impacts on receiving communities in Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Sweden and the United States, commissioned by UNHCR and prepared by IRC under the Three-Year Strategy's objective of enhancing the evidence base on the contributions of refugees arriving through resettlement. -
UNHCR seeks urgent access to detained asylum-seekers in Tanzania
28 Feb 2021 -
Displaced Yemenis flee clashes, face imminent risk of hunger
26 Feb 2021 -
Understanding the socioeconomic conditions of refugees in Kakuma Camp, Kenya - Summary
26 Feb 2021 The Kakuma Socioeconomic Survey contributes to inform targeted responses to improve the living conditions of refugees and hosts. It also addresses the socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19 on refugees. Key words: socioeconomic data, refugee household survey, host communities, poverty, COVID-19, education, WASH, social cohesion