World Refugee Day: All you need to know

  • World Refugee Day will soon be held in over 100 countries all across the world
  • The event comes as the UN released a report detailing scope of the global crisis  
  • Europe and the U.S. have been embroiled in a politically-charged refugee crises 

By STEVE LONGO

Published: | Updated:

World Refugee Day is slated to be held very soon across the world.

The event comes as the migration to Europe from Africa and the Middle East continues unabated and U.S. President Donald Trump has faced withering criticism for his decision to separate children from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Disturbingly, the United Nations has just released a new report stating that a record 68.5 million individuals have now been displaced worldwide due to war, poverty, persecution and other events.

Police in Rome, Italy evict Eritrean refugees from Piazza Indipendenza on August 24, 2017

Police in Rome, Italy evict Eritrean refugees from Piazza Indipendenza on August 24, 2017

Here’s all you need to know about what World Refugee Day is, when it is, what the theme for 2018 will be, its history and some events and activities marking it worldwide.

What is World Refugee Day?

World Refugee Day is an annual day that’s dedicated to raising awareness of the plight of refugees worldwide.

When is World Refugee Day 2018?

World Refugee Day 2018 will be held on Wednesday, June 20.

World Refugee Day 2018 theme

The theme for World Refugee Day 2018 will be ‘Now More Than Ever, We Need to Stand with Refugees’.

The themes for years past are as follows:

  • 2017: Embracing Refugees to Celebrate our Common Humanity
  • 2016: We Stand Together with Refugees
  • 2015: With Courage, Let Us All Combine
  • 2014: Migrants and Refugees: Towards a Better World
  • 2013: Take One Minute to Support a Family Forced to Flee
  • 2012: One Family Torn Apart by War Is Too Many
  • 2011: One Refugee without Hope Is Too Many
  • 2010: One Refugee Forced to Flee Is Too Many
  • 2009: Home
  • 2008: Protection
  • 2007: Perseverance
  • 2006: Hope
  • 2005: Courage
  • 2004: Courage
  • 2003: Refugee Youth: Building the Future 
  • 2002: Tolerance
  • 2001: Respect

History of World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day was established by the United Nations on December 4, 2000 as a way to raise awareness of global refugees on an annual basis starting in 2001, which marked the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.

The day is always held on June 20 in collaboration with Africa Refugee Day, recognized in several countries on that day prior to the UN’s declaration of World Refugee Day.

The day also falls close to Refugee Week in the UK, marking its 20th anniversary in 2018.

The event is marked in over 100 countries, with the United Nations Refugee Agency, government officials, celebrities, nonprofit aid organizations and others taking part in events to recognize the day.

World Refugee Day events

World Refugee Day is marked with a wide array of activities held by government and NGO officials across the world. Just a few events include:

  • Donating to refugee and migrant aid groups
  • Learning more about the plight of worldwide refugees through documentaries and listening to them share their stories
  • Attending benefit concerts for refugees and migrants
  • Attending a cultural event featuring the artwork and media presentations of refugees
  • Participating in a march or protest to bring attention to issues impacting refugees worldwide

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