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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'Now, this is bread'.
25 Jan 2023 -
Violence and threats by armed groups continue to displace refugees and civilians in Mali
24 Jan 2023 -
Escalating violence leaves hundreds dead and hundreds of thousands on the move in eastern DRC
24 Jan 2023 -
UNHCR's Grandi praises Moldova's role in supporting Ukrainian refugees
23 Jan 2023 -
EVO/2022/16 Performance Evaluation Of The Misizi Marshlands Agricultural Project Among Refugees And Host Communities In Gisagara District, Rwanda
23 Jan 2023 This performance evaluation covers the implementation period of the Misizi Marshland project from September 2018 – December 2021, focused on the project beneficiaries (refugees and the host community) residing in the Mugombwa refugee camp and surrounding host community area. Attachments: Annexes (.zip) -
News Comment: UNHCR's Grandi praises Moldova's role in supporting Ukrainian refugees
21 Jan 2023 -
Education Access for the Forcibly Displaced: during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic
20 Jan 2023 An assessment of forcibly displaced learners in education activities and their return to school in the aftermath of the pandemic in select countries. -
Afghan women affected by Taliban bans on work and study fear for their futures
18 Jan 2023 Displaced women fear they will be unable to support their families without access to work and education. -
Piloting the grant agreement with organizations led by forcibly displaced and stateless persons in Uganda
18 Jan 2023 An emerging practice on age, gender and diversity in Uganda.