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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'I want all Shona women to see that they can be anything they want'
11 Nov 2020 Over 18,000 stateless people in Kenya struggle to access basic services as they lack official identity documents. A young woman has made history as the first stateless Shona woman to make it to university. -
UNHCR urges states to end limbo for stateless people by 2024
11 Nov 2020 UNHCR's #IBelong Campaign, to end statelessness by 2024, Filippo Grandi calls for protection of stateless populations as COVID-19 is worsening the plight of millions of stateless people worldwide. -
Education in Emergencies coordination - Harnessing humanitarian and development architecture for Education 2030 (PDF)
10 Nov 2020 This report presents learning and recommendations from UNHCR, the Global Education Cluster and INEE on strengthening education in emergencies (EiE) coordination -
UNHCR expands aid as Ivorian refugee numbers top 8,000
10 Nov 2020 UNHCR expands aid to Ivorian refugees amid political tensions in Côte d'Ivoire. -
UNICEF - Final Session High Commissioner Dialogue
9 Nov 2020 -
Tertiary Education Student Network Report - 2020
6 Nov 2020 In this report, the Tertiary Refugee Student Network (TRSN) informs about its founding process and mission and its activities around the world. The student-led Tertiary Refugee Student Network, founded in 2019, connects refugee students worldwide and elevates refugee student activism to the global level. With members in over 15 countries and activities on local, national and global level, the TRSN advocates for increasing the percentage of refugee youth enrolled in higher education to 15% by 2030. -
Refugee Student Leaders: High Commissioner's Dialogue on Protection Challenges 2022
6 Nov 2020 This is a report about refugee youth leaders who spoke at the High High Commissioner's Dialogue on Protection Challenges 2022. -
Cash aid brings relief to Libyan families uprooted by clashes
5 Nov 2020 After fighting in Tripoli twice drove Hanan and her children from their homes, they finally found refuge in an unfinished building before receiving financial help from UNHCR. -
Initiative for Child Rights in the Global Compacts - Statement at the High Commissioner Dialogue
4 Nov 2020 Session on protection considerations