Every year on June 20th, we honor refugees around the world through World Refugee Day – an international day designated by the United Nations to shed light on the “rights, needs, and dreams of refugees”. World Refugee Day is an important day because it helps to mobilize resources, political will, and support for those who have been forced to flee their home countries in order to escape conflict or persecution. Moreover, international days such as World Refugee Day increases recognition “on the plight of those fleeing conflict or persecution”.
The first World Refugee Day was held globally in 2001, which commemorated the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. Before the UN General Assembly officially designated it an international day in December 2000, the day was originally known as Africa Refugee Day.
This year’s theme is “Together we heal, learn and shine”. Individuals and their communities who are forced to flee their homes struggle with accessibility to resources and services that help them survive and thrive as continue with their lives.
Listed here are links to promote this year’s theme:
- Donate: “Together we heal – help expand refugees’ access to primary and secondary health care, sexual and reproductive health, nutrition and mental health services.”
- Fund a Scholarship: “Together we learn – transform the lives of seven talented young refugees by donating towards their university scholarships.”
- Enter the Dreamball Design Contest: “Together we shine – support refugees by unfolding your creative side! Send in your illustration and enter the #dreamball design contest.”
For more ways you can observe World Refugee Day 2021, visit https://www.un.org/en/observances/refugee-day or view the World Refugee Day toolkit here.
Source: https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/world-refugee-day.html
