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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Radio lessons keep learning going for refugee students despite Coronavirus lockdown
24 Apr 2020 -
Q1 Donor Impact Report
24 Apr 2020 -
Refugee health workers step up for coronavirus response in Latin America
24 Apr 2020 -
Refugee students get lessons over radio during Kenya school shutdown
24 Apr 2020 Teachers broadcast classes over community radio to keep refugee students learning. -
UNHCR says all parties must protect civilians as more fighting sweeps across Sahel
24 Apr 2020 'I want to go home, but I fear every day,' says displaced farmer from Mali-Niger border. -
'If I couldn't study, I would feel paralyzed'
24 Apr 2020 A DAFI scholarship from UNHCR allows Kobra Yusufy, 27, returned refugee, to study software engineering at Kabul University and pursue her dream of teaching. -
Asmir Begović and Alphonso Davies compete online to aid coronavirus response
23 Apr 2020 The two football stars, both former refugees, will go head to head in eFootball PES2020 contest for UNHCR's COVID-19 appeal. -
UN refugee chief calls for solidarity during Ramadan
23 Apr 2020 As holy month begins amid the coronavirus pandemic, Filippo Grandi asks us to remember almost 70 million people forcibly uprooted from their homes. -
News comment on maritime movements of refugees and asylum-seekers, from the UNHCR Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific
23 Apr 2020 This news comment is attributable Indrika Ratwatte, Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific.