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World Refugee Day

Show your support for World Refugee Day - join the global movement to show solidarity and help make a difference in the lives of refugees!

Saturday

June 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJune 20

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYSocial Justice

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate World Refugee Day on June 20 to show your support for the millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution. This day was established in 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly as a way of recognizing refugees around the world and highlighting their courage, resilience, and strength. By coming together on this special day we can honor those who have experienced displacement while celebrating our commitment to helping them find safety, freedom, and justice.

TIMELINE

World Refugee Day Timeline

Refugee Convention

The UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, the key legal document in defining who is a refugee, their rights and the legal obligations of states, was adopted.

Massive Refugee Movements

Following conflicts in Southeast Asia and Central America, large-scale refugee movements occur leading to increased global attention on the issue.

First World Refugee Day

The African Refugee Day is celebrated for the first time by the Organization of African Unity (OAU, now African Union).

UN General Assembly Resolution

The United Nations General Assembly passes a resolution establishing World Refugee Day as an international observance on June 20 each year.

Massive Displacement in Syria

Ongoing conflict in Syria leads to one of the largest refugee crises in recent history, highlighting the relevance of World Refugee Day.

COVID-19 and Refugees

The COVID-19 pandemic makes combating refugee crises more urgent and highlights the vulnerability of displaced populations to the virus.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Refugee Day

Organize a fundraiser

Organize a fundraiser to raise money for organizations that support refugees in your community. Use social media and other outlets to spread the word.

HOST

Host an event

Host an event in your community to celebrate World Refugee Day. Invite refugees in your area to share their stories and organize cultural activities.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer

Find a local organization that serves refugees and volunteer your time, whether it is helping with language classes or tutoring children.

DONATE

Donate items

Donate items like clothes, toys, books, and other household items to refugee families in need.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself

Take some time to learn more about refugees and their struggles by reading books, watching documentaries, and listening to podcasts.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why World Refugee Day is Important

World Refugee Day calls for action

In addition to raising awareness, World Refugee Day encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to take action in order to protect the rights of refugees. This includes providing education opportunities, access to healthcare, and protection from violence among other actions that help foster acceptance and integration into new communities.

World Refugee Day raises awareness

World Refugee Day helps to shed light on the plight of refugees and internally displaced persons around the world. Through events, activities, and conversations, we can raise awareness about these people’s experiences and the struggles they face in their countries of origin and exile.

It celebrates refugee resilience

World Refugee Day honors the courage and resilience of refugees who have been uprooted from their homes due to war, conflict or persecution. By celebrating their stories and offering support, we can help to empower them as well as inspire others in similar situations.