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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Giovani Caleb
Giovani Caleb is a dedicated High-Level Influencer for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency's LuQuLuQu initiative. -
Grandi ends Lebanon visit with call to help country in its hour of need
25 Aug 2020 With country reeling from Beirut explosion, COVID-19 and financial crisis, UNHCR Head calls on global community to support Lebanon and its large refugee population. -
Nicaraguan refugee heals wounds of persecution in Costa Rica
25 Aug 2020 For Catalina, seeking medical care in Nicaragua was too risky. In Costa Rica it was unaffordable – until she became one of 6,000 refugees given access to the public health care system. -
Kwame Annom (Biishville)
Kwame Annom was announced as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency on 3 December 2020. -
'You could see the happiness on their faces'
25 Aug 2020 A programme underway to relocate 1,600 unaccompanied children from the Greek Islands is already transforming lives. -
Lebanon: Father takes daughter out of school due to worsening economic situation speaks to High Commissioner
25 Aug 2020 -
Tahsan Khan
Tahsan Khan has been supporting UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency since 2019 and was announced as Goodwill Ambassador in January 2021. -
Assistance to refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Africa
24 Aug 2020 -
Report of the seventy-seventh meeting of the Standing Committee (10-12 March 2020) EC/71/SC/CRP.7
24 Aug 2020