World Day of Refugees

Justice and Peace Issues

What is World Refugee Day?World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. It falls each year on 20 June and honors the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution.

What is the 2026 Theme?This year, World Refugee Day focuses on the right to seek safety as a common safeguard for all of us. The right to seek safety was made for you and me. 75 years ago, after the Second World War, the world made a promise: people forced to flee have the right to seek safety and protection. It was never meant for a few. It was meant for all people.Why is World Refugee Day important?World Refugee Day shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilize political will and resources so refugees can not only survive but thrive. While it is important to protect and improve the lives of refugees every single day, World Refugee Day helps to focus global attention on the plight of those fleeing conflict or persecution.Background:World Refugee Day is dedicated to refugees around the globe. It was held globally for the first time on 20 June 2001 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. It was originally known as Africa Refugee Day, before the United Nations General Assembly officially designated it as an international day in December 2000.Organizations that work for refugees:UN High Commission for Refugees the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. UNHCR leads international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people.Jesuit Refugee Services International Jesuit Refugee Services USA Catholic Relief ServicesCALL TO ACTIONOn World Refugee Day, people of faith are called to stand in solidarity with refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable displaced people. Unfortunately, at a time when millions of displaced people are seeking safety and stability, the United States has eliminated pathways for resettlement for almost all refugees, with an exception for white Afrikaners from South Africa. At a time of funding cuts, bans, threats to status, and general mistreatment of refugees within our borders, call on Congress to protect and strengthen refugee resettlement and humanitarian protection programs.Congress is deciding funding for programs that help families facing hunger, displacement and poverty around the world. The House is expected to vote soon on two bills, while the Senate is also making key decisions—making your advocacy all the more important. This is a critical moment to tell your members of Congress that lifesaving international assistance matters and must be fully funded. More than 100 million people worldwide have been displaced by conflict, violence and disaster. These programs help families access safety, food and care as they begin to recover and rebuild.International humanitarian and development assistance provides urgent relief in emergencies and supports long-term recovery so families and communities can move toward stability with dignity.By lifting your voice as we mark World Refugee Day, you help:– Refugees and other displaced families access emergency food, shelter and care.– Small farmers strengthen livelihoods and feed their families.– Communities build resilience and meet their own needs over time.Please contact your members of Congress and urge them to support the highest possible funding for international humanitarian and development assistance in the fiscal year 2027 appropriations bill.

Did you know? Research shows that constituents’ voices have significant influence on congressional members’ decision-making, especially when communications are personalized—like sharing a story or demonstrating the impact an issue will have in the district or state. Don’t forget to personalize your message!

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