World Refugee Day, 20 June
World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on 20 June and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.
Date Posted:
19-Jun-2024
"We will open our hearts to the cries of the poor using our energies, gifts and resources to address violence and discrimination especially for ... displaced persons." (Chapter Statement)
This year, World Refugee Day focuses on solidarity with refugees – for a world where refugees are welcomed.
Refugees need our solidarity now more than ever. Solidarity means keeping our doors open, celebrating their strengths and achievements, and reflecting on the challenges they face.
Solidarity with people forced to flee also means finding solutions to their plight – ending conflicts so they can return home in safety, ensuring they have opportunities to thrive in the communities that have welcomed them, and providing countries with the resources they need to include and support refugees.
- At the end of 2023, an estimated 117.3 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations and events seriously disturbing the public order. That figure is now estimated toexceed 120 million.
- One in every 69 people, or 1.5 per cent of the entire world’s population, is now forcibly displaced.
- Visit the UNHCR global site to learn ways to assist refugees