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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UNHCR Interventions before the European Court of Human Rights
Mar 2023 -
Briefings and meetings in 2022
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Settlement Layout Optimization - Appropriate Communal Open Spaces (COS)
Mar 2023 In line with UNHCR's Master Plan Approach, The Planning Principle of COS stresses that an appropriate proportion, number, organization and equitable distribution of Communal Open Spaces are essential for the sustainability of any settlement in the long term. -
UNHCR's Innovation Fund awards projects designed by refugees for refugees
1 Mar 2023 -
Multi-year work plan for ExCom conclusions (2015)
1 Mar 2023 -
Multi-year work plan for ExCom conclusions (2020)
1 Mar 2023 -
2022 Annual Report on Sustainable Energy
Mar 2023 The report highlights UNHCR's progress in expanding sustainable energy access for refugees in country operations against the outcomes of the Global Strategy for Sustainable Energy 2019-2025. In line with the Global Compact on Refugees and to protect the most vulnerable, energy programmes in UNHCR focused on scaling up capacity development for smart, affordable, and appropriate technologies and renewable energy in developing and least developed refugee-hosting countries. This report highlights UNHCR's key achievements against the strategic outcomes of the UNHCR Global Strategy for Sustainable Energy 2019-2025. -
As the Horn of Africa drought enters a sixth failed rainy season, UNHCR calls for urgent assistance
28 Feb 2023 -
Kenya's Dadaab camp swells with Somalis fleeing drought, conflict
28 Feb 2023 Failed rains and lingering conflict have driven over 110,000 Somalis across the border in the last two years into Kenyan camps already struggling to cope with drought.