UN World Refugee Day

UN World Refugee Day 2023

World Refugee Day is a globally recognized day established by the United Nations with the purpose of commemorating refugees worldwide. It occurs annually on Tuesday, June 20th and acknowledges the bravery and resilience of individuals who have been compelled to leave their native land due to conflict or mistreatment.

We would love for congressional offices to join the celebration by posting on social media. World Refugee Day serves as a platform to foster compassion and comprehension towards the challenges faced by refugees and acknowledges their determination to reconstruct their lives. See suggested language below.

UNA-USA & UNHCR Refugee Resolution Challenge

In commemoration of World Refugee Day on June 20, 2023, UNA-USA and UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, have joined forces to announce a collaborative effort specifically for UNA-USA chapters throughout the United States.

Introducing the Refugee Resolution Challenge, this initiative presents UNA-USA chapters with a unique opportunity to engage in discussions surrounding the crucial issues related to forced displacement. By hosting debates centered on one of the following four topics, UNA-USA chapters can subsequently submit a resolution to UNA-USA, which will be shared with UNHCR:

Ensuring the Safety of Individuals Seeking Asylum

Safeguarding the Well-being of Refugee Children

Enhancing Refugees’ Access to Employment and Financial Services

Addressing Challenges of Internal Displacement

These debates will generate resolutions that will undergo evaluation by a panel comprised of UNHCR members, young refugee leaders, and independent experts. The awards ceremony will take place at the conclusion of 2023. The most innovative ideas will be shared with policymakers and promoted through UNHCR’s extensive social media channels, reaching millions of people worldwide.

While this special opportunity has traditionally been reserved for Model UN conferences, UNHCR and UNA-USA have extended the invitation to any UNA-USA community or campus chapter to apply and facilitate a simulation or debate before December 31, 2023.

Social Media Toolkit

Twitter

🌍World Refugee Day sheds light on refugees’ rights, needs, and dreams, mobilizing political will and resources for their thriving. While we must protect and uplift refugees every day, #WorldRefugeeDay brings global attention to their plight. 🤝🕊️ #UNHCR #USAforUN
On #WorldRefugeeDay, I am applauding the work of @Refugees in providing access to food, cash aid, support, and more. Equal opportunities in livelihoods, education, and healthcare for refugees are critical. #UNHCR #USAforUN
🌍World Refugee Day illuminates the rights, needs, and aspirations of refugees. With 1 in 88 individuals worldwide forced to flee, the work of @Refugees is critical now more than ever. #WorldRefugeeDay #UNHCR

**UNHCR’s handle is @Refugees

Instagram & Facebook

🌍 #WorldRefugeeDay is a global occasion established by the United Nations to pay tribute to refugees worldwide. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, operates across 137 countries globally, saving lives, aiding, and safeguarding individuals escaping terrorism, war, and mistreatment. It plays a crucial role in stabilizing areas of strategic importance to the U.S.
World Refugee Day recognizes the resilience and bravery of individuals who have been compelled to leave their homeland in search of safety from conflict or persecution. 90% of the UN Refugee Agency’s workforce is deployed in the field, often in challenging and crisis-affected locations. They carry out tasks and responsibilities that no single nation can accomplish alone. Together, we can make a lasting impact. #UNHCR #RefugeeAgency #GlobalImpact

Hashtags

#WorldRefugeeDay; #UNHCR; #USAforUN

Additional Resources

Check out pictures here.

This year, the UN Refugee Agency published key statistical trends on forced displacement. It includes the latest official statistics on refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless people, as well as the number of refugees who have returned home. For more information, see here.