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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Refugee entrepreneur lowers prices, boosts production so more people can have soap
20 May 2020 -
Soap maker in Kenya refugee camp lowers prices to fight COVID-19
20 May 2020 Burundian refugee fights coronavirus, one bottle of soap at a time. -
Indigenous refugees battle Coronavirus in Latin America
19 May 2020 -
Olympic Refuge Foundation: Sport can offer hope to displaced communities during the COVID-19 pandemic
19 May 2020 Joint IOC/UNHCR press release -
Why we must help - and learn from - refugees this Ramadan
19 May 2020 A version of this op-ed was first published by Al Jazeera on 18 May. -
Coronavirus threatens indigenous Venezuelans seeking safety in Brazil
19 May 2020 COVID-19 has hit the Brazilian Amazon particularly hard, exposing highly vulnerable native people from Venezuela to the potentially deadly disease. -
Public Health During COVID-19
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Women and children in firing line as violence drives 23,000 more refugees from Nigeria
19 May 2020 UNHCR steps up activities, despite COVID-19, to assist Niger as new influx in April takes total figure to over 60,000. -
Asmir Begovic
Footballer and AC Milan goalkeeper, Asmir Begović has been supporting UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency since early 2020, using his public profile to raise awareness and fundraise in support of refugees.