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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High Commissioner's Dialogue 2020 Concept Note
3 Jun 2020 -
News comment by UN Refugee Agency's Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, Gillian Triggs, on the UN Secretary-General's policy briefing on People on the Move
3 Jun 2020 -
Hanna Gabriels
Hanna Gabriels is Costa Rica's most lauded boxer, and has been supporting UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency since 2019. -
For Yemenis on the brink, aid funding gap spells disaster
2 Jun 2020 Already the world's worst humanitarian crisis after years of conflict and mass displacement, aid cuts due to lack of funds and arrival of COVID-19 put millions of lives at risk. -
Greece must ensure safety net and integration opportunities for refugees - UNHCR
2 Jun 2020 -
Statement to the High-Level Pledging Event for the Humanitarian Response in Yemen
2 Jun 2020 -
Malian refugees, local hosts flee after Sunday attack on site in western Niger
2 Jun 2020 -
Alphonso Davies
Footballer, Alphonso Davies has been a supporter of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency since early 2020, using his social media platforms and public profile to raise awareness and fundraise in support of refugees. -
COVID-19, displacement and climate change
Jun 2020 COVID-19 presents unique risks to displaced people, who are often living in densely populated settlements where communicable diseases can spread quickly.