What is World Refugee Day and how can I help?
WORLD Refugee Day takes place every year to honour refugees everywhere.
But what is it, and what can you do to help? Here's all you need to know.
What is World Refugee Day?
World Refugee Day is an international day that honours refugees.
It's designated by the United Nations and falls on June 20 every year.
Ahead of the 2022 event, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said: "This year’s World Refugee Day affirms a fundamental tenet of our common humanity: everyone has the right to seek safety — whoever they are, wherever they come from and whenever they are forced to flee."
According to the , it "celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution", and is "an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives".
There is also a Refugee Week which was founded in 1998.
According to its , Refugee Week is a UK-wide festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
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What is a refugee?
As set out in the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention, the term refers to a person who has fled from their home country due to “a well-founded fear of persecution because of his/her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion”.
Refugees are defined and protected by international law.
Many of them are living in vulnerable conditions, including camps, informal settlements, and on the streets, according to the .
What can we do to help on World Refugee Day?
The number of forcibly displaced people around the globe now stands at over 100 million, according to the UNHCR, and events are taking place internationally to recognise their right to seek safety.
If you want to help out, there are a number of charities that support refugees.
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You could consider making a donation to one of these organisations, such as:
- The
The Association of Ukrainians in Britain is running an which will be distrusted to charities in the war-torn country, providing medicines, food, and other vital services.
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You can also help by donating to The Sun's Ukraine Fund.
Money donated goes to help Red Cross workers and volunteers helping refugees, and providing shelter, food and water for those trapped in the country.