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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Summary by the Chairperson
13 Oct 2020 -
Refugees in South Africa share acts of kindness with their hosts
13 Oct 2020 A community of Somali refugees stand together with their South African neighbours to assist those struggling the most during the COVID-19 pandemic. -
Central African Republic villagers share what little they have with refugees
13 Oct 2020 UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is supporting the refugees who fled an attack in the Democratic Republic of Congo. -
Refugees and host communities in South Africa spread kindness to beat COVID-19 economic effects
13 Oct 2020 -
Statement by the Assistant High Commissioner for Protection
13 Oct 2020 -
Refugees find help with mental health effects of Beirut blast
11 Oct 2020 With her daughter left traumatized by the 4 August explosion, Syrian mother Fahima approached UNHCR, who arranged for professional help with her mental recovery. -
COVID-19 inducing 'widespread despair' among refugees, UNHCR appeals for urgent support for mental health
10 Oct 2020 -
Q&A: 'Before the pandemic, refugee mental health was severely overlooked. Now it's a full-blown crisis'
10 Oct 2020 UNHCR's Senior Mental Health Officer Pieter Ventevogel says COVID-19 has been a tipping point for many refugees in distress. But with the crisis comes an opportunity. -
Lebanon: Refugees find help dealing with mental scars from the Beirut explosion
10 Oct 2020