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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Zambia
6 Oct 2020 -
UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award global laureate, Mayerlín Vergara Pérez
6 Oct 2020 -
North-Macedonia
6 Oct 2020 -
'Now we have room to speak. But we still have a long way to go'
6 Oct 2020 UNHCR's Juliette Murekeyisoni reflects on progress and setbacks for displaced women and girls since a landmark conference in 1995. -
Rwanda
6 Oct 2020 -
Belgium
6 Oct 2020 -
UNHCR Guidance on Racism and Xenophobia
6 Oct 2020 How UNHCR can address and respond to situations of racism and xenophobia affecting persons under its mandate -
52-Finland
6 Oct 2020 -
2020 Nansen Refugee Award spotlights child survivors of sexual exploitation
5 Oct 2020 Mayerlín Vergara Pérez has spent decades helping rehabilitate survivors of childhood sexual exploitation. Around half of those she now serves are Venezuelan refugees and migrants.