World Refugee Day is celebrated every year on June 20th to acknowledge and honor the strength and bravery of refugees. These individuals have been forced out of their homelands due to conflict or natural disasters. Therefore, this day is dedicated to raising public awareness and gathering global support for refugees.
According to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), there are over more than 108.4 million displaced people around the world, and it is the highest number of displaced individuals ever recorded. However, we must look beyond the numbers and remember that every one of these individuals has a unique story, a face, and aspirations they are hoping to achieve.
World Refugee Day
World Refugee Day was created on June 20, 2001, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. This year, it will be celebrated on Thursday, June 20, 2024. It is an important event that recognizes the strength and courage of refugees who have fled their country to find sanctuary and a better life. The day aims to build understanding and empathy for their plight and to celebrate the rich diversity of refugee communities.
Events such as theatre, dance, films, and music are organized during the week to give refugee community organizations, voluntary and statutory organizations, local councils, and schools a chance to host events that honor the cause. World Refugee Day is also celebrated through World Refugee Week to provide an opportunity for asylum seekers and refugees to be seen, heard, and valued by the communities they live in.
How to Recognize World Refugee Day
Here are some activities and ideas you can carry out to recognize or celebrate this event.
- Research about the subtle differences between displaced populations.
- Find out how resettlement works.
- You can volunteer with a nonprofit organization that supports refugees in your community.
- Donate to a non-profit organization that offers support to refugees across the globe.
- Read books written about those who have been victims of displacement.
- Watch movies about the complexity of displacement.
- Share the good news about refugees.
- Donate to a nonprofit organization that provides support to refugees in the United States.
- Attend an event in your local community to commemorate World Refugee Day.
- Show support to refugee-owned businesses.
- Listen to music created by artists who have faced displacement.
These and many more are the activities you can carry out to get involved in world refuge day.
Commemorations on World Refugee Day
Every year, on the 20th of June, the United Nations, the United Nations Refugee Agency, and various civic groups all over the world come together to celebrate World Refugee Day. The event is aimed at raising public awareness about the millions of refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide who have been compelled to flee their homes due to war, conflict, and persecution.
More than 100 countries mark this annual commemoration by organizing a range of activities that involve government officials, humanitarian aid workers, celebrities, civilians, and the forcibly displaced themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions About World Refuge Day
What Is the Colour of World Refugee Day?
The logo features the words “World Refugee Day” in the center top and “20 June” underneath, all in one green color.
What Hashtags Can Be Used for World Refugee Day?
When talking or sharing about World Refugee Day on social media, you use these popular hashtags listed below.
#WorldRefugeeDay
#SafetyForAll
#RefugeesWelcome
#WithRefugees
When Will World Refugee Day Be Celebrated in 2024?
World Refugee Day will be celebrated this year on Thursday, June 20, 2024.
