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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A shell blast, and an asylum seeker's life changed forever
27 Jan 2021 After sustaining life-changing injuries during clashes in Libya, Sudanese asylum seeker Mohamed is adapting to disability with support from UNHCR and its partner. -
As Sub-Saharan crises force more to flee, UNHCR calls for stronger Mediterranean route response
27 Jan 2021 -
Climate change and conflict pursue displaced Burkinabes
25 Jan 2021 In Burkina Faso, the displaced struggle to find a refuge from violence and the effects of global heating. -
With refugee resettlement at a record low in 2020, UNHCR calls on States to offer places and save lives
25 Jan 2021 -
Climate change and conflict, double burden for displaced Burkinabes
25 Jan 2021 -
Over 100,000 displaced by resurgence of violence in Sudan's Darfur region
22 Jan 2021 -
2019 DAFI Annual Report Summary
22 Jan 2021 This document summarizes key scholarship, outcome, and funding metrics for the DAFI scholarship programme from 2019. It emphasizes the tremendous growth of the DAFI scholarship programme over the last five years and how this programme will continue to mobilize and carve out opportunities in higher education for young refugee women and men in striving towards UNHCR's goal to increase the enrolment of young refugees in higher education from 3% to 15% by 2030. -
Grim milestone as Sahel violence displaces 2 million inside their countries
22 Jan 2021 -
Sahel internal displacement tops 2 million as violence surges
22 Jan 2021 Grim milestone reached in world's fastest-growing displacement crisis as fighting uproots 11,400 within Burkina Faso.