WORLD REFUGEE DAY – 20 JUNE
solidarity with and solutions for refugees
Each year on June 20, the world celebrates World Refugee Day. This year, the focus will be on solidarity with and solutions for refugees.
Refugees need our solidarity now more than ever. Solidarity means keeping our doors open and working together for a world where refugees are welcomed. Solidarity with refugees is also about finding solutions to their plight. In the short term, they need sanctuary and protection, as well as opportunities to be active members of communities. In the long term, they need an end to conflict. Countries and communities hosting large numbers of refugees also need our solidarity; they cannot do it alone. We can all do more to show solidarity with refugees; no action is too small. Refugees come with skills, qualifications, and ideas, they just need the chance to contribute.
SOLIDARITY
Beyond feeling safe and welcomed, refugees need opportunities to thrive. They need a chance to learn and progress, to earn a living, and to feel a sense of belonging. Countries and communities hosting large numbers of refugees also need our solidarity. They cannot be left to do this alone, without support or resources.
SOLUTIONS
Refugees need opportunities to be active members of the communities that have welcomed them, whether through work, school, sports or other activities. Refugees should be able to use their talents and passions to support their families and contribute to the countries hosting them.
CHALLENGES
The right to asylum is under threat. More restrictive policies are making it harder for people forced to flee to access safe and legal routes. Competition over jobs and natural resources is increasing discrimination and xenophobia. The impacts of climate change are disrupting livelihoods and further fueling tension.
What is World Refugee Day?
World Refugee Day is marked across the globe on 20 June every year to celebrate the strength and courage of refugees, create awareness of the plight of people forced to flee, and advocate for refugees’ right to safety.
This year, the focus will be on solidarity with and solutions for refugees.
Scroll down this page or follow us on X as we highlight the activities surrounding #WorldRefugeeDay in the Nordic and Baltic Countries.
World Refugee Day 2024
Each year, World Refugee Day is marked by a variety of events in many countries around the globe in support of refugees. Read our World Refugee Day Live Blog to discover some of the activities that are taking place.
This year, we also organize a range of activities and events in the Nordic and Baltic Countries. Check out below to see what is happening around the region!
🇸🇪 PASS THE MIC: World Refugee Day celebration in Stockholm
In honour of World Refugee Day, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, will be passing the mic to a group of people with refugee background and impactful stories to share.
Tickets are free but limited due to the capacity at the venue.
Location: Kulturhuset, Stockholm
Date: 17 June 2024, 17:30-20:00
🇱🇹 Chamber concert with Middle Eastern music
Enjoy a live concert with musician and artist Kadim al Fartoosi, art installations, and much more when our partner Artscape kicks off their exciting World Refugee Week. During the event, you will get to know the programme for World Refugee Week, Artscape participants and young refugee artists. UNHCR will also speak at the event.
Location: MO Museum, Vilnius
Date: 13 June 2024, 18:00
🇫🇮 Refugee of the Year 2024 announcement
The Finnish Refugee Council will announce the Refugee of the Year 2024. The aim of the award is to highlight the stories and experiences of refugees, support them in their goals and dreams in their new home, and make their voices heard in public discussions about immigration.
Location: Eurooppasali, Malminkatu 16, Helsinki
Date: 18 June 2024, 14:00-16:00
🇪🇪 Community festival in Tallinn
Do you like tasting new and delicious food while listening to live music? Then join the Estonian Human Rights Centre, Mondo, Telliskivi Creative City and Izumi Youth Club as they co-host a special World Refugee Day community festival in Tallinn.
Location: Telliskivi Creative Hub, Arepas Factory, Põhja-Tallinn, Tallinn
Date: 20 June 2024, 12:00-16:00
🇪🇪 World Refugee Day Green Horizon Festival
With the aim of fostering positive change for both refugees and the environment, partners including the Estonian Refugee Council and Mondo are inviting you to a World Refugee Day festival in Tartu. At the festival, you can enjoy live music, workshops and engage in enlightening conversations with migrants and refugees at the Human Library.
Location: Tartu Nature House, Lille 10, Tartu
Date: 15 June 2024, 13.00-18.00
🇱🇻 Feel Good in Latvia
Meet refugees, asylum seekers, and representatives from Latvian society at the “Feel Good in Latvia!” event. The event aims to help refugees and asylum seekers feel safer and better in their new country. The event is organised in cooperation with UNHCR.
Location: Lāčplēša Street 75 – 1B
Date: 18 June 2024, 16:30-19:00
🇪🇪 Screening of ‘Long Distance Swimmer - Sara Mardini’
International Women´s Network in Estonia invites you to the screening of the movie ‘Long Distance Swimmer – Sara Mardini’, about the former pro swimmer and Syrian refugee Sara Mardini. The movie explores Sara’s life in Berlin as she battles legal challenges and stands as a beacon for refugees against rising anti-immigration sentiments.
Location: Tartu Elektriteater, Jakobi 1, Tartu
Date: 20 June 2024, 18:00-20:00
🇱🇹 Cultural Rhythms in Vilnius
Celebrate World Refugee Day with lots of great and diverse music at Bernardinų courtyard in Vilnius. At the event, musicians with refugee background will perform, and there will be workshops and activities for families and other attendees. UNHCR will speak at the opening
Location: Bernardina courtyard
Date: 20 June 2024, 18:00-22:00