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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The Role of Cash Assistance in Financing Access to Health Care in Refugee Settings and other Persons of Concern to UNHCR
27 Nov 2020 This document provides guidance and key considerations on how cash assistance – along with in-kind and services - can be used to meet health needs in refugee settings and for other people of concern to UNHCR. It aims to facilitate discussions in UNHCR operations around the use of cash assistance to achieve health outcomes throughout the operations management cycle, from assessment and design to implementation and monitoring. -
Empowering refugees through technology
27 Nov 2020 -
Refugees and the impact of COVID-19
27 Nov 2020 -
Supporting the social inclusion of refugees
27 Nov 2020 -
UN High Commissioner for Refugees visits Sudan as new refugee arrivals cross 43,000
27 Nov 2020 -
As refugee numbers surge, Ethiopians seek word of loved ones
26 Nov 2020 Over 40,000 Ethiopians have fled the Tigray crisis into eastern Sudan, with no sign of a let-up in new arrivals. Many anxiously hope to be reunited with their families. -
COVID-19 Preparedness in schools: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in schools, 2020 (PDF)
26 Nov 2020 This report presents the results of a survey assessing the WASH readiness of schools in UNHCR-supported refugee camps and refugee settlements. UNHCR and partners are using the results to improve water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) COVID-19 mitigation measures in schools and design targeted improvements to WASH facilities to allow for safe operation of schools. -
Ethiopia Tigray emergency
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UNHCR warns second wave of COVID pandemic driving further violence against refugee women and girls
25 Nov 2020