What is World Refugee Day?

World Refugee Day is observed on June 20th each year. This global event honors the courage, strength and determination of women, men and children who are forced to flee their homes under threat of persecution, conflict and violence.

Every year, people across the United States use World Refugee Day as a focus for raising awareness and funds in their own communities to gather support for UNHCR’s urgent work. And at the same time they spread a little understanding about the reality of being a refugee.

History of World Refugee Day

For years, many countries and regions have been holding their own Refugee Days and even Refugee Weeks. One of the most widespread is Africa Refugee Day, which is celebrated on 20 June in several countries.

The UN General Assembly, on 4 December 2000, adopted resolution 55/76 where it noted that 2001 marked the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, and that the Organization of African Unity (OAU) had agreed to have International Refugee Day coincide with Africa Refugee Day on 20 June.

The General Assembly therefore decided that, from 2001, 20 June would be celebrated as World Refugee Day

Commemorate World Refugee Day with USA for UNHCR in Washington, DC

Veteran NPR news Analyst Daniel Schorr interviews former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in Washington DC for World Refugee Day 2010  Photo © Bridgitte Timmerman

This year, UNHCR and USA for UNHCR will commemorate 60 years since the creation of the UN Refugee Agency. On June 20^th, supporters of UNHCR and the refugee cause from across the country will gather for our World Refugee Day luncheon at Phillips Collection.

World Refugee Day tickets are available now. Join us in discussing the success stories and the obstacles in UNHCR’s work to open the door to a better world for millions of refugees around the world. 

Set in the Phillips Collection, an internationally admired center of modern and contemporary art, our event will feature talks with Pulitzer Prize winner, author and editor Seymour Hersh and additional noteworthy supporters of UNHCR and World Refugee Day. 

 

 

Tickets are limited. Register Now!

 For questions regarding the World Refugee Day in the United States, please contact USA for UNHCR at (202) 296-1115 or info@usaforunhcr.org 

 Get Involved! Bring World Refugee Day to Your Community:

• Host an Event
• Get a Blue Key to Show Your Support
• Organize a Fundraiser
• Make a Donation to Commemorate World Refugee Day