INTERNATIONAL DAY

World Refugee Day

This day serves to honor the resilience of millions displaced by conflict and persecution.

JUN20
Sunday, June 20Every year on June 20
 days to go
Roots
Established by the United Nations in 2001
Vibe
A day of solidarity and awareness
Hashtag
#WorldRefugeeDay
Apple or Outlook calendar

3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Read a refugee story

Learn from a firsthand account and sit with it.

WITH FRIENDS

Donate as a group

Pool funds for a refugee aid organization you trust.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Welcome newcomers warmly

Help new colleagues or neighbors feel at home.

Fast facts

Tens of millions of refugees worldwide
Half of all refugees are children

The story

World Refugee Day is observed each year on June 20, a date chosen to honor the strength and courage of those forced to flee their homes. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), over 26 million refugees are currently displaced due to war, persecution, and violence. This day serves as a vital opportunity to raise awareness about the plight of refugees and to promote their rights and well-being.

Read the full story

In the United States, the refugee crisis has deep roots, with many refugees seeking shelter from conflicts in countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, and Venezuela. Local communities across the nation have opened their arms to welcome newcomers, creating support networks that help refugees rebuild their lives. Events ranging from educational forums to cultural celebrations are held to foster understanding and integration.

The theme for World Refugee Day often emphasizes the resilience of refugees and the essential role that local communities and governments play in their resettlement. In 2023, the UNHCR highlighted the importance of solidarity, urging individuals and organizations to come together to support refugees in practical and meaningful ways. This includes advocating for fair policies and providing resources that empower displaced individuals.

As we observe World Refugee Day, let us reflect on the contributions refugees make to society. Many refugees bring unique skills and perspectives, enriching the cultural fabric of their new communities. By sharing their stories and experiences, we can cultivate empathy and inspire action, ensuring that refugees are not just seen as numbers, but as individuals with hopes, dreams, and the potential to thrive.

“"Refugees are not just statistics; they are individuals with hopes and dreams.”

ANTONIO GUTERRES, UN SECRETARY-GENERAL

Did you know?

01

Historical Context

World Refugee Day was first observed in 2001.

02

UN Resolutions

The UNHCR was established in 1950 to help refugees.

03

Impact on Children

Half of all refugees are under the age of 18.

04

Resettlement Programs

Countries like Canada have robust resettlement programs.

05

Refugee Contributions

Refugees contribute billions to the global economy.

06

Crisis Response

The world faces unprecedented levels of displacement today.

07

Community Involvement

Local organizations often lead efforts to support refugees.

Around the world

Every culture celebrates a little differently.

  • USUnited StatesThe U.S. has resettled over 3 million refugees since 1975.
  • EUEuropean UnionMany EU countries have implemented policies to assist refugees.
  • AFAfghanistanOver 2.5 million Afghans are displaced both internally and externally.
  • SYSyriaAround 6.6 million Syrians have fled their country since 2011.
  • UAUkraineThe ongoing conflict has displaced millions of Ukrainians since 2022.
  • ZASouth AfricaThe country hosts a significant number of refugees from various African nations.

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