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.
-
Preliminary estimated schedule
10 Sep 2020 -
Statement at the High-Level Humanitarian Donor Roundtable on the Humanitarian Situation in Venezuela
10 Sep 2020 -
UNHCR offers support as large fire destroys asylum center in Moria
9 Sep 2020 -
Dr. King'ori
Dr. King'ori is a High-Level Influencer for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency's LuQuLuQu campaign. -
Clean Energy Challenge - Affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for displaced persons and host communities - September 2020 (PDF)
9 Sep 2020 This document provides guiding principles and additional information on how the Clean Energy Challenge links with national plans and existing initiatives (Greening the Blue, Climate Action). The Clean Energy Challenge is about multi-stakeholder engagement to provide cleaner and safer energy to forcibly displaced populations. -
Abrantie (Oheneba Nana Yaw Boamah)
Abrantie has been a High-Level Influencer for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency's LuQuLuQu Tribe since 2017. -
From refugee to medallist, an Iranian wrestler's journey
8 Sep 2020 -
Key issues and measures taken in response to the Report of the Board of Auditors for 2019 (A/AC.96/1201/Add.1)
7 Sep 2020 -
Hunger and fear stalk survivors of attack in north Cameroon
7 Sep 2020 Violence had already uprooted thousands in the volatile Far North region. Now a spate of deadly attacks leaves survivors fearful of tending their fields.