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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Q&A: 'Including refugees in the vaccine rollout is key to ending the pandemic'
14 Jan 2021 Mike Woodman of UNHCR's Public Health Section explains how the organization is working to ensure millions of forcibly displaced people worldwide are protected from the COVID-19 virus. -
Statement attributable to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on the situation of Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia's Tigray region
14 Jan 2021 -
Refugees receive COVID-19 vaccinations in Jordan
14 Jan 2021 -
Iraqi couple among world's first refugees to get COVID-19 jab
14 Jan 2021 After receiving inoculation as part of Jordan's national vaccination plan, Iraqi refugee Raia hopes life will soon return to normal and other refugees will follow her lead. -
The High Commissioner
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Hosts offer vital refuge to families fleeing DRC violence
13 Jan 2021 Solidarity shown by local Congolese communities has been critical in the response to mass forced displacement, but funding cuts threaten UNHCR's ability to offer support. -
UNHCR's Grandi concludes visit to Lisbon, commends Portugal's longstanding commitment to refugee protection as the country takes over the EU Presidency
13 Jan 2021 -
UNHCR calls for EU to ensure a new chapter for refugee protection
12 Jan 2021 -
Evaluation of UNHCR's Response to the L3 South Sudan Refugee Crisis In Uganda and Ethiopia
8 Jan 2021 Evaluation of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency's Response to the L3 South Sudan Refugee Crisis In Uganda and Ethiopia