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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Self-help project in Niger churns out hygiene products in fight against coronavirus
18 May 2020 Mini refugee 'factory' produces soap, liquid handwash, bleach and water containers for free distribution. -
Access to Healthcare
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As coronavirus spreads, refugee doctors want to join the fight
18 May 2020 Trained medics working as cashiers and wait staff want their qualifications recognized so they can save lives in the pandemic. -
Canada's Samra Habib champions the rights of LGBTI refugees
17 May 2020 The photographer, author and activist reflects on growing up fast as child refugee in Toronto – and why she fights for equality and 'a sense of belonging'. -
In their host countries, two LGBTI refugees from Venezuela start new lives
17 May 2020 LGBTI refugees often face a long road to safety. But for a gay man and a transwoman from Venezuela, building new lives in their host countries represented a 'rebirth.' -
UNHCR receives huge donation to fight coronavirus
17 May 2020 Unilever is donating millions of bars of soap, hand sanitizer and other supplies to help displaced people in dozens of countries prevent COVID-19. -
In Niger, a skills training programme for Malian refugees is now helping the fight against coronavirus
15 May 2020 -
United in Music: A virtual charity concert to aid UNHCR'S coronavirus response
15 May 2020 International artists, professors and friends from 30 countries join Maestro Shlomo Mintz and team up for a globe-spanning performance in support of the UN Refugee Agency's COVID-19 appeal. -
Conflict and pandemic drive more people to risk deadly sea route from Libya
15 May 2020 A Sudanese teenager survived brushes with death in a quest for asylum, but rising insecurity and COVID-19 restrictions drove him to risk all on the open seas.