About World Refugee Day 2008

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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UNHCR WASH - Practical Guidance for Refugee Settings

7 Mar 2023

The UNHCR WASH Manual (7th Edition, February 2020) is the result of an open and collaborative process with WASH actors who have active programmes supporting refugees. It has been written primarily for use by UNHCR staff, WASH actors, national governmental authorities, emergency response coordinating bodies, contingency planners, and programme evaluators, and is a useful reference for any individuals or organisations involved in providing WASH services in refugee settings.

WASH, Protection and Accountability

7 Mar 2023

This document describes UNHCR's five principles linking WASH, protection, and accountability. It highlights the protection and accountability challenges that relate to WASH issues in refugee contexts. The document also provides case studies to high these principles in action and a checklist that can be used for safety and security.

Cash Based Interventions for WASH Programmes in Refugee Settings

7 Mar 2023

This report is based on a desk-based review of secondary data, comprising published material as well as grey literature, supplemented with key informant interviews for programmes that lacked documentation. Section One summarises the current use of CBI in WASH programming. Section Two summarises the best practices and lessons learned, including challenges faced, drawing on evidence from the project examples found. Section Three provides recommendations and best practice guidance for use of CBI in refugee settings. Section Four details existing tools and guidance.

Hygiene Promotion Guidelines

7 Mar 2023

These guidelines provide additional support and information on designing and implementing hygiene promotion programmes or elements of hygiene promotion in the programmes of other sectors. They should be used in conjunction with the UNHCR WASH Manual and the summary guidance in the Hygiene Promotion Chapter of this manual.