World Refugee Day

Solidarity means honouring refugees not just with words but with actions . It means listening to them and making space for their stories. It means defending their right to seek safety and finding solutions to their plight, ending conflicts so they can return home in safety. It means ensuring they have opportunities to thrive in the communities that have welcomed them and providing countries with the resources they need to include and support refugees . At a moment of global uncertainty, of narratives that prioritize self-interest over shared humanity, with the number of forcibly displaced people at a record high and brutal aid funding cuts putting millions of lives at risk, it is more urgent than ever to break through the noise, raise our voice and show solidarity with refugees . This World Refugee Day , solidarity means honoring refugees not just with words but with actions . It means listening deeply, making space for their stories. But above all solidarity means saying, clearly ...

Welcoming a refugee into your community or advocating for policies that protect and support people forced to flee . Sharing refugee stories with your community, friend sand family or offering your time for them or providing them a job to help them rebuild their lives. Every gesture counts, no matter how small . Refugees are not looking for charity; they seek opportunity and self-advancement. When given the chance, they become integral, valuable and productive members of the communities that welcome them. Every act of welcome , inclusion, and support brings us closer to a world where every person forced to flee can find not just refuge, but belonging, purpose, and hope.

Every refugee carries a unique story — of pain, loss, and unimaginable strength. They are not defined by what they’ve lost, but by the courage with which they rebuild. Refugees have the same dreams, talents and passions as anyone else but have faced unique obstacles in their journey. They do not want to be defined solely by their experience of displacement or as victims. Their identities are complex and multifaceted. We mark World Refugee Day by sharing their stories of strength, and courage, of community, and of hope, reflecting on how each of us can show up for refugees.

Becoming a refugee is not a choice. But how we act and respond, is. We can create communities that are generous and hospitable, where everyone belongs . Refugees want self-reliance, to forge friendships with their neighbours and to take care of their families. They are often highly skilled and bring fresh ideas that foster innovation and creativity, benefiting all. Communities that welcome refugees thrive. Our message is: “ We see you. You are not forgotten. You are not alone. ”

The world is facing a shortage of peace. Conflicts are multiplying with wars dragging on and with civilians paying the highest price. Crossing a border is often the hardest choice but the only one left to survive. Countries need to uphold their obligations to provide sanctuary and life-saving protection to refugee s. But it cannot end there. We need peace , so nobody feels forced to flee. But in the absence of peace, refugees need opportunities to be active members of the communities that have welcomed them, whether through work, school, sports or other civic activities. For as long as they remain in exile, refugees should be able to use their talents and passions to provide for their families and contribute to the countries hosting them . Low- and middle-income countries where the majority of refugees are received require greater investment so refugees can live in dignity and thrive while hosts also benefit.

UNHCR’s mandate is more relevant than ever. We have been called upon since our inception to serve and protect people forced to flee. Our role remains critical not just in saving lives but in stabilising communities and countries. Helping the displaced where they are enables peace and social stability . We continue to work in some of the world’s most difficult environments where war and violence have left millions of people vulnerable. While the dire funding situation is impacting our work and putting the lives of many at risk, we remain committed to fulfilling our mandate. This World Refugee Day , we also stand with our colleagues and our humanitarian partners around the world, who stay and deliver, who refuse to walk away, no matter the Challenge s.

   Opening and Panel 1 - Advancing durable solutions for internally displaced persons. Meeting on the Transition from Relief to Development Driving solutions and addressing challenges for people in vulnerable situations in crisis contexts 10:00 - 13:00 Opening of the 2025 Meeting on the Transition from Relief to Development High-level panel discussion 1: Advancing Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons Objectives: The panel will highlight the urgent need for accelerated and coordinated efforts (by humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding actors amid diminishing resources) to advance durable solutions to internal displacement, and exchange best practices from governments and local actors. The panel will identify practical steps to strengthen implementation of the Secretary-General's Action Agenda on Internal Displacement and review follow-up action to the mandate of the SG's Special Adviser on Solutions to Internal Displacement including through implementation o...

   Panel 2 - Mobilizing partnerships, solutions and financing for affected countries and people in crisis contexts. Meeting on the Transition from Relief to Development Driving solutions and addressing challenges for people in vulnerable situations in crisis contexts 15:00 - 18:00 High-level panel discussion 2: Mobilizing partnerships, solutions and financing for affected countries and people in crisis contexts. Objectives: With a particular focus on Haiti, the Sahel and South Sudan, the panel will explore how innovative financing mechanisms and expanded partnerships - including with IFIs, regional development banks, and the private sector - can better support countries and communities facing protracted crises.  Panelists will identify opportunities to strengthen resilience, sustain basic social services and bridge humanitarian, development, and peace efforts. Related Sites and Documents:  Learn more  and the  Full programme . Watch the 2025 ECOSOC Meeting ...