About World Refugee Day 2008

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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East and Horn of Africa - Roundtable Summary

6 Dec 2022

This joint outcome document will be presented at UNHCR's High Commissioner's Dialogue on Protection Challenges, to be held in Geneva on 7-8 December 2022, to highlight ways in which development cooperation can be strengthened to advance protection and durable solutions, especially the socioeconomic inclusion for returnees and their communities.

Europe - Roundtable Summary

6 Dec 2022

This summary of discussions will be presented at UNHCR's High Commissioner's Dialogue on Protection Challenges, to be held in Geneva on 7-8 December 2022, to highlight ways in which development cooperation can be strengthened to advance protection and inclusion, especially the socio-economic inclusion of refugees and effected communities.

Middle East and North Africa - Roundtable Summary

6 Dec 2022

To ensure that the High Commissioner Dialogue benefits from learnings grounded in experience, UNHCR MENA RB organized a regional roundtable discussion on 8 November, bringing together key partners and experts from Jordan and Mauritania to reflect on the progress made in development cooperation.

West and Central Africa - Roundtable Summary

6 Dec 2022

In preparation for the High Commissioner's Dialogue, UNHCR Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa organized a regional roundtable, held in a hybrid on 25 October 2022 in Lomé, Togo. This roundtable was a precious opportunity to discuss between protection and development actors around initiatives that can unlock solutions for the displaced through enhanced development cooperation.

Development Cooperation Initiatives

6 Dec 2022

In the lead-up to the 2022 High Commissioner's Dialogue, stakeholders had the opportunity to propose and undertake a series of innovation labs to advance on key issues related to development cooperation in the context of displacement and statelessness. The innovation labs address key problems, catalyse partnerships, and cultivate and mobilize pledges related to development cooperation looking towards the 2023 Global Refugee Forum. The initiatives will be announced during the closing plenary of the Dialogue.