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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South Sudanese graduate wants refugee children to dream big
28 Aug 2020 -
Syrian refugees show their solidarity to those affected by the explosion in Beirut
28 Aug 2020 -
Schools caught up in armed conflict sweeping across the Sahel
27 Aug 2020 By end-2019, more than 3,300 schools were shut, affecting almost 650,000 children and more than 16,000 teachers. -
Biennal programme budget 2020-2021 (revised) of the Office of the high Commissioner for refugees (A/AC.96/1202)
26 Aug 2020 -
1 million forced to flee violence in Burkina Faso reaching tragic milestone
26 Aug 2020 -
Congolese mothers trek to safety in South Sudan
26 Aug 2020 As South Sudan keeps its borders open to refugees during the coronavirus pandemic, mothers fleeing violence in the DR Congo find a safe haven with their children. -
Unilever
In 2019, Unilever brand, Lifebuoy, partnered with UNHCR to help refugee children grow up to be healthy adults by promoting the use of soap and handwashing through the 'Mum's Magic Hands' programme. The programme has reached 10,000 Syrian refugees living in Lebanon. -
Explainer: Relocation of unaccompanied children from Greece to other EU countries
25 Aug 2020 Some 1,600 unaccompanied children living as asylum-seekers in harsh conditions on the Greek Islands are being relocated to 11 European Union countries. Here's how the process works. -
Adjetey Anang
Adjetey is a High-Level Influencer for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency's, LuQuLuQu initiative.