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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Socioeconomic Conditions of Stateless Shona in Kenya
23 Dec 2020 Around the world, millions of people are stateless, as they do not hold the nationality of any country. Their precise number is not known due to lack of official data, but UNHCR estimates that there are 4.2 million or more globally. In Kenya, there are about 18,500 stateless people. -
Policy Knowledge brief : Improving employment outcomes for refugees in Uganda
23 Dec 2020 -
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 16 December 2020 (Assistance to refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Africa)
23 Dec 2020 -
UNHCR welcomes Turkmenistan's decision to grant citizenship to 2,580 stateless people
22 Dec 2020 -
UNHCR and partners urgently seek US$156 million to support refugees fleeing Ethiopia's Tigray crisis
22 Dec 2020 -
UNHCR - What is resettlement?
21 Dec 2020 -
'The Nansen Award was one of the most inspiring things in my life'
21 Dec 2020 Nansen Award laureate Zannah Mustapha takes stock of how his life – and those of the children displaced by Boko Haram – has changed since he won the award in 2017. -
New safety measures allow Malian refugees to return to camp in Burkina Faso
21 Dec 2020 -
Statement ICVA
18 Dec 2020