What is World Refugee Day?

Stand with refugees

World Refugee Day is observed every year on 20 June to honour the strength, resilience and rights of refugees worldwide. Established by the United Nations in 2001, the day raises awareness of the challenges faced by people forced to flee conflict, persecution and disaster.

With conflict, violence and persecution continuing to uproot lives around the world, nearly 118 million people have been forced to flee their homes, including more than 41 million refugees, according to the latest figures from UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency. Behind these numbers are children and families facing uncertainty, separation from loved ones and the challenge of rebuilding their lives far from home. This World Refugee Day, learn more about the experiences of refugees around the world and how we can stand alongside them.

When is World Refugee Day?

World Refugee Day is held every year on 20 June.

What is World Refugee Day?

World Refugee Day is an international day that recognises the rights, contributions and experiences of refugees around the world. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people who have been forced to flee their homes and to stand in solidarity with refugee communities.

People become refugees for many reasons, including conflict, violence, persecution and human rights abuses. For children and families, being forced to leave home can mean losing access to education, healthcare, livelihoods and the support of their community. Many spend years rebuilding their lives while living with uncertainty about the future.

Seeking safety is a fundamental human right. Yet refugees often face significant barriers on their journey, from dangerous travel conditions to challenges accessing protection, services and opportunities in the places where they seek refuge. World Refugee Day highlights the importance of ensuring refugees can access safety, protection and the support they need to rebuild their lives with dignity.

What is the theme of World Refugee Day 2026?

The theme for World Refugee Day 2026 is “Solidarity with Refugees” – a reminder that supporting refugees means moving beyond sympathy and taking meaningful action. The theme calls for greater inclusion, equal opportunities and advocacy for refugee rights.

Why is World Refugee Day held?

On 20 June 2000, the United Nations General Assembly established World Refugee Day. The date marks the anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, which defines who is considered a refugee and sets out the rights of people seeking asylum, as well as the responsibilities of countries to protect them.

World Refugee Day is an opportunity to build global solidarity with refugees and displaced people. It recognises the rights, experiences and contributions of people forced to flee their homes, and helps increase understanding of the realities of forced displacement around the world.

Today, forced displacement is at record levels. According to UNHCR’s latest Global Trends report millions of people have been forced from their homes by conflict, violence and persecution. Children are among the most affected.

World Refugee Day highlights the importance of ensuring refugees can access safety, protection and opportunities to rebuild their lives with dignity.

Understanding refugees’ right to seek safety and protection

In the aftermath of conflict and displacement, the global community committed to protecting people forced to flee their homes. That responsibility remains just as urgent today – for every child, every family and every community affected by crisis, conflict and disaster.

When people are displaced, the impact extends far beyond borders. Supporting refugees and protecting their rights helps build safer, stronger and more connected communities for everyone.

This World Refugee Day, we stand alongside children and families seeking safety and hope for the future. Together, we can help ensure no one is left behind – because until everyone is safe, our work continues.

According to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the right to seek safety is underpinned by five key principles:

1. The right to seek asylum People fleeing conflict, persecution or human rights violations have the right to seek protection and safety in another country.
2. Safe access to protection People must be able to reach safety without unnecessary barriers. Unsafe journeys, sudden border restrictions or closures can increase risk and vulnerability.
3. Protection from return to danger Refugees should not be forced back to countries where their life or freedom would be at risk. Decisions must prioritise safety and protection.
4. Fair and non-discriminatory processes Everyone seeking asylum should be treated fairly, regardless of nationality, religion, race or gender.
5. Humane treatment and dignity People forced to flee must be treated with dignity and respect. Families should be kept together wherever possible, protected from harm and exploitation, and not subjected to arbitrary detention.

How can I support World Refugee Day 2026?

There are many ways to support World Refugee Day 2026 and stand with refugees and displaced children and families around the world. Whether through donating, fundraising or raising awareness, every action helps strengthen support for people forced to flee their homes.

• Donate: Refugee children need safety, education and long-term support to rebuild their lives. Your donation can help ChildFund deliver vital programs for children and families in crisis, with regular giving providing ongoing support where it is needed most.
• Share and raise awareness: World Refugee Day is also an opportunity to raise awareness about global forced displacement. Sharing stories, facts and content with your networks helps build understanding of the realities faced by refugees and displaced children, and strengthens global solidarity.

From Sudan to Ukraine and Gaza, children continue to face the impacts of conflict and displacement. ChildFund supports local partners working to help children stay safe, keep learning and recover from crisis.