June 20 is being observed as World Refugee Day— a day designated by the United Nations to honour and celebrate the world’s refugees.

U.N refugee agency says World Refugee Day is “an occasion to build empathy and understanding” for the plight of refugees and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.
In a statement on Sunday, U.S. President Joe Biden said, “Today, I join people around the globe in commemorating World Refugee Day, a day when we recognize the courage and humanity of the millions forced to flee violence, persecution, and war.”
Biden also said, “On this day, we reaffirm our sacred commitment to alleviate suffering through humanitarian relief, and redouble our efforts to achieve lasting solutions for refugees—including through resettlement. We also recommit to engaging in diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the ongoing conflicts that compel refugees to seek safety elsewhere."
UNHCR said in a statement that, “the number of people fleeing wars, violence, persecution and human rights violations in 2020 rose to nearly 82.4 million,” a number representing a “4% increase on top of the already record-high 79.5 million at the end of 2019.”
UNHCR urged the world to remember that “Behind each number is a person forced from their home and a story of displacement, dispossession and suffering. They merit our attention and support not just with humanitarian aid, but in finding solutions to their plight.”
World Refugee Day was held globally for the first time on June 20, 2001, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees.
It was originally known as Africa Refugee Day, before the U.N. General Assembly officially designated it as an international day in December 2000.
There are more refugees today than there have ever been, UNHCR reports, despite the restrictions and closures imposed on people and countries because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oppo Find X9 Pro’s massive 7,500mAh battery arrives in Europe
- 5 hours ago

Tech left teens fighting over scraps, and now it wants those too
- 5 hours ago

The tariffs case is Trump’s ultimate loyalty test for the Supreme Court
- 3 hours ago

ExxonMobil accuses California of violating its free speech
- 5 hours ago

DOJ indicts a congressional candidate in Chicago
- 3 hours ago

YouTube will restrict more content showing ‘graphic violence’ in video games
- 5 hours ago

How Guitar Hero made everybody a rock star
- 5 hours ago

Pakistan and Afghan Taliban agreed to maintain a ceasefire during talks
- 2 hours ago

The BrickBoy upgrade kit costs more than twice as much as the Lego Game Boy
- 5 hours ago

If Obamacare works, why is my health care more expensive?
- 3 hours ago

The best way to help Hurricane Melissa survivors may not be what you think
- 3 hours ago

Projecting the CFP top 12 after Week 9: Vandy's in the field!
- 4 hours ago








