PURPOSE: World Refugee Day aims to enable everyone to stand together to celebrate the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of individuals. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has recently started the “With”Refugees” petition this is to send a message to the people of the action, solidarity, and responsibility on behalf of refugees to governments worldwide. There have been projects and resources that have been put into place which aims to educate people about the way of life for refugees. The number of people forced to flee conflict, violence, human rights violations and persecution has now surpassed 100 million for the first time on record.
Organized crime, armed groups, statelessness and decades of conflict all pose a serious risk to populations in the Americas. Over seven million people are now displaced and asylum applications, particularly from Central American countries such as El Salvador and Guatemala, have sharply increased.
Around 30 million internally displaced persons, refugees and asylum-seekers live in Africa, representing almost one-third of the world’s refugee population.
Europe has a history of offering sanctuary to refugees. The 1951 Refugee Convention was established as a response to the urgent needs of refugees generated by World War II. Since then, Europe has received people seeking asylum as they flee conflict, persecution and human rights violations.
The Middle East and North Africa region continues to pose overwhelming challenges, with multiple and complex emergency situations on an unprecedented scale.
There are 9.2 million people of concern to UNHCR across Asia and the Pacific, including 4.4 million refugees and asylum-seekers, 3.3 million internally displaced people and 2.3 million stateless persons.
World Refugee Day is intended to be a celebration of the human spirit and of the fortitude of the millions of people who, despite being displaced and dispossessed, relentlessly strive to improve their lives and those of their families and communities. Yet this year we are again reminded of the work we have ahead of us as world leaders remain unable or unwilling to resolve conflicts.
FORUM: "Solidarity with Refugees." World Refugee Day 2025. Solidarity means honouring refugees not just with words but with actions. It means listening to them and making space for their stories. It means defending their right to seek safety and finding solutions to their plight, ending conflicts so they can return home in safety. It means 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. But above all, solidarity means saying, clearly and courageously, that refugees are not alone and that we will not turn our backs. At a moment of global uncertainty, of narratives that prioritize self-interest over shared humanity, with the number of forcibly displaced people at a record high and brutal aid funding cuts putting millions of lives at risk, it is more urgent than ever to break through the noise, raise our voice and show solidarity with refugees. This World Refugee Day, solidarity means honouring refugees not just with words but with actions. It means listening deeply, making space for their stories. It means standing up for their right to seek safety and for solutions to their plight. But above all solidarity means saying, clearly and courageously, that refugees are not alone and that we will not turn our back. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #20june, #solidaritywithrefugees, #campaign, #worldrefugeeday.
KEY MESSAGES:
True solidarity with refugees begins with actions. Welcoming a refugee into your community or advocating for policies that protect and support people forced to flee. Sharing refugee stories with your community, friend sand family or offering your time for them or providing them a job to help them rebuild their lives. Every gesture counts, no matter how small. Refugees are not looking for charity; they seek opportunity and self-advancement. When given the chance, they become integral, valuable and productive members of the communities that welcome them. Every act of welcome, inclusion, and support brings us closer to a world where every person forced to flee can find not just refuge, but belonging, purpose, and hope.
Solidarity Means Centering Refugee Voices: Every refugee carries a unique story — of pain, loss, and unimaginable strength. They are not defined by what they’ve lost, but by the courage with which they rebuild. Refugees have the same dreams, talents and passions as anyone else but have faced unique obstacles in their journey. They do not want to be defined solely by their experience of displacement or as victims. Their identities are complex and multifaceted. We mark World Refugee Day by sharing their stories of strength, and courage, of community, and of hope, reflecting on how each of us can show up for refugees.
Solidarity Means Building Community: Becoming a refugee is not a choice. But how we act and respond, is. We can create communities that are generous and hospitable, where everyone belongs. Refugees want self-reliance, to forge friendships with their neighbours and to take care of their families. They are often highly skilled and bring fresh ideas that foster innovation and creativity, benefiting all. Communities that welcome refugees thrive. Our message is: “We see you. You are not forgotten. You are not alone.”
Solidarity Means Working Together for Peace and Solutions: The world is facing a shortage of peace. Conflicts are multiplying with wars dragging on and with civilians paying the highest price. Crossing a border is often the hardest choice but the only one left to survive. Countries need to uphold their obligations to provide sanctuary and life-saving protection to refugees. But it cannot end there. We need peace, so nobody feels forced to flee. But in the absence of peace, refugees need opportunities to be active members of the communities that have welcomed them, whether through work, school, sports or other civic activities. For as long as they remain in exile, refugees should be able to use their talents and passions to provide for their families and contribute to the countries hosting them. Low- and middle-income countries where the majority of refugees are received require greater investment so refugees can live in dignity and thrive while hosts also benefit.
Solidarity Means We Stay and Deliver: UNHCR’s mandate is more relevant than ever. We have been called upon since our inception to serve and protect people forced to flee. Our role remains critical not just in saving lives but in stabilising communities and countries. Helping the displaced where they are enables peace and social stability. We continue to work in some of the world’s most difficult environments where war and violence have left millions of people vulnerable. While the dire funding situation is impacting our work and putting the lives of many at risk, we remain committed to fulfilling our mandate. This World Refugee Day, we also stand with our colleagues and our humanitarian partners around the world, who stay and deliver, who refuse to walk away, no matter the Challenges.
EVENTS: On June 20th; The observance of World Refugee Day 2025 will be a moment to show solidarity with refugees, honoring their stories and showing unwavering support to their plight. Read the concept Note and Register to participate!
At UNHQ New York; The global ceremony of World Refugee Day 2025 will honor refugees and observe a minute of silence.
Around the globe: Find out how countries around the globe celebrate the day by selecting a country: World Refugee Day 2025 events in Australia and New Zealand – World Refugee 2025 events in Japan – World Refugee Day 2025 events in Thailand – World Refugee 2025 in Hong Kong – World Refugee Day 2025 events in Philippines – World Refugee Day 2025 events in Serbia – World Refugee Day 2025 events in Netherlands – World Refugee Day 2025 events in Iran – World Refugee Day 2025 events in Brazil – World Refugee Day 2025 events in Austria. This year, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency will launched a special campaign to create a global movement of solidarity with refugees. To participate Explore the list of worldwide events!
PUBLICATION: The UN Refugee Agency, has launched a new report highlighting how countries across Southern Africa are reshaping the way displacement is addressed, moving beyond short-term aid to invest in national systems, long-term resilience and inclusive development. The impact report ‘‘Empowering People, Strengthening Systems: Sustainable Responses to Displacement in Southern Africa’’ comes at a time when global displacement remains at record levels and humanitarian funding is under historic pressure. Southern Africa is currently home to over 11 million forcibly displaced people , representing around nine per cent of the global total. Despite these challenges, the report highlights how national governments, communities and partners across the region are responding in new ways. Their efforts are grounded in national leadership, strong partnerships and local innovation. The report reflects a broader shift away from parallel humanitarian services and towards sustainable responses anchored in social protection, economic inclusion and climate resilience. The report also underscores how humanitarian and development actors are working more closely than ever, supporting national priorities through joint programming and investment. Sustaining this progress will take continued political will, community engagement and strong international support. Without it, hard-won gains could be lost, and displaced people and host communities risk being left behind. Download the full report: [here]
STATEMENTS: UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie called on the world to focus on finding solutions to reduce refugee numbers globally.
PODCASTS: The UN World Refugee Day 2025 is a powerful call to action and empathy in a time of global uncertainty. With record numbers of people forcibly displaced and humanitarian aid under threat, this year’s theme—"Solidarity with Refugees"—urges us to move beyond words and take meaningful steps to support those forced to flee. Refugees seek not charity, but opportunity: a chance to rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and live with dignity. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: This observance is a moment to honor their courage and resilience, listen to their stories, and advocate for lasting solutions to displacement. It reminds us that welcoming refugees strengthens societies, fosters innovation, and builds communities where everyone belongs. Through collective action—from policy change and community engagement to sharing refugee voices—we affirm that refugees are not forgotten, not alone, and not without hope. Get the campaign materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
Each year on June 20 the world celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. It is also an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.
Each year, World Refugee Day is marked by a variety of events in many countries around the globe in support of refugees. These activities are led by or involve refugees themselves, government officials, host communities, companies, celebrities, school children and the general public, among others. Given the chance, refugees will continue to contribute to a stronger, safer and more vibrant world.
ACTIONS
Help protect International Displaced persons IDPs), Stateless persons, Asylum seekers and returnees.
Inform the audience that the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol are the only global legal instruments explicitly covering the most important aspects of a refugee’s life.
Raise awareness on the unique health needs of refugees and people on the move.
Focus on the challenges, refugees may face in accessing healthcare during their journeys and in the host country.
Step up efforts worldwide to ensure everyone everywhere at any time is able to enjoy the right to health and access high-quality health services that are sensitive to their needs, and appropriate for each person’s culture and needs, without financial impediment.
PARTNERSHIPS
The World Refugee Day is held by the United Nations Information Centres, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and its Regional Offices, (UNHCR Regional Office for Africa, UNHCR Regional Office for Americas, UNHCR Regional Office for Europe, UNHCR Regional Office for Middle East and North Africa, UNCHR Regional Office for Asia and Pacific), the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). With the collaboration of the United Nations Volunteers programme, the World Health Organization (WHO), WHO Europe, the WHO Regional Office for Africa, the WHO/PAHO, the WHO Western Pacific Region, the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI), Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the Relief Web, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons, the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), the World Food Programme (WFP) with the participation of the Civil Society Organizations, the Non-governmental Organizations, Philantropists and academics.