World refugee day

June 20, Thursday

World Refugee Day is observed annually on June 20 and is dedicated to raising awareness of refugee issues around the world and supporting people forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution and human rights violations. The day was established by the United Nations in 2000 and serves as a platform for discussing the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of refugees.

According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, as of 2023, more than 100 million people worldwide have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution and human rights violations. These figures include both refugees and internally displaced persons, who remain in their countries but are forced to flee their homes.

International law, in particular the 1951 Geneva Convention, defines refugee status and obliges countries to provide protection and asylum to those fleeing persecution. UN Member States are responsible for respecting the rights of refugees and providing them with assistance.

Main Objectives of World Refugee Day
Raising awareness. The day aims to draw attention to the hardships refugees face, including the loss of home, family, livelihood, as well as their rights and needs.

Supporting refugees. World Refugee Day focuses on the need for humanitarian assistance and protection for people who have fled their countries in search of safety. UN agencies and other humanitarian groups use the day to raise funds and provide assistance to those in need.

Recognizing the Contribution of Refugees. The holiday highlights that refugees are not just people in need of assistance, but also those who make an important contribution to the societies that host them, participating in cultural, economic and social life.

How World Refugee Day is Celebrated
Events and Actions. A variety of events are held in different countries, including seminars, exhibitions, documentary screenings, rallies and solidarity actions, designed to draw attention to the situations refugees face.

Disseminating information. On this day, humanitarian organizations and activists launch information campaigns on social media, television, and the press, highlighting the challenges and successes of refugees. Hashtags such as #WorldRefugeeDay are used to raise awareness.

Support through the arts. Cultural events are also an important part of the day, using art (music, theater, cinema) to tell the story of refugees’ lives and struggles. This helps to bring their stories to a wider audience.

Community involvement. People are encouraged to get involved in initiatives to support refugees, from volunteering in camps to providing financial assistance and conducting educational programs for those who have been forced to flee their countries.

World refugee day

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World refugee day in other years

2021 June 20, Sunday
2022 June 20, Monday
2023 June 20, Tuesday
2025 June 20, Friday

World refugee day in other countries