Welcome to the United Nations
What is World Refugee Day?
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.
Why is World Refugee Day important?
World Refugee Day shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilize political will and resources so refugees can not only survive but thrive. While it is important to protect and improve the lives of refugees every single day, international days like World Refugee Day help to focus global attention on the plight of those fleeing conflict or persecution. Many activities held on World Refugee Day create opportunities to support refugees.
When is World Refugee Day and when did it start?
World Refugee Day falls each year on 20 June and is dedicated to refugees around the globe. World Refugee Day was held globally for the first time on 20 June 2001 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. It was originally known as Africa Refugee Day, before the United Nations General Assembly officially designated it as an international day in December 2000.
World Refugee Day 2024
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.
How can you show solidarity with refugees?
- Give: Support young refugees to pursue higher education by donating to our Aiming Higher campaign.
- Advocate: Join us on social media to help amplify the voices of refugees this World Refugee Day. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok or Twitter.
- Learn: Discover the latest stats and trends in forced displacement globally and learn how refugees and displaced people are being impacted by the climate crisis and taking action in their communities by taking this quiz.
Source: UNHCR