NAIROBI | On June 20, the world marks World Refugee Day 2025, spotlighting the ongoing challenges faced by people forced to flee their home countries due to war, violence, and persecution.
This year’s theme, Solidarity with Refugees, emphasizes action over words. The United Nations is urging global citizens to support refugees not only by acknowledging their stories but by standing with them in meaningful ways through safe shelter, inclusion in host communities, and protection of their rights.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates over 120 million people globally are now displaced, with more than 35 million officially recognized as refugees. That number continues to rise as new conflicts emerge and existing crises remain unresolved.
“This day is not just about honoring resilience,” a UNHCR statement reads. “It is about acting to ensure refugees are not forgotten. It means defending their right to seek safety and to rebuild their lives in dignity.”
World Refugee Day, first observed globally on June 20, 2001, marks the anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. It serves as a reminder of the international commitment to protect people who flee conflict and persecution.
In Nairobi, public events are being held in refugee-hosting communities, with performances and exhibitions organized by displaced persons and humanitarian groups. In Aden, Yemen, refugees and aid staff gathered at a UNHCR reception center to share experiences and advocate for long-term solutions.
At the heart of this year’s message is the idea of inclusion. UNHCR is asking: Are you still with refugees? The organization is encouraging supporters to donate, engage in local advocacy, and purchase handcrafted bracelets made by refugee artisans from Kenya, South Sudan, and Egypt. The bracelets are designed to support refugee livelihoods and promote cultural resilience.
Many of the artisans are single mothers or caregivers who rely on this income to support their families while living in exile.
According to UNHCR, the majority of refugees are hosted in low and middle-income countries, where resources remain stretched. Despite this, communities across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia continue to show solidarity offering space, services, and safety.
Global participation in World Refugee Day includes schools, local governments, and private companies. Events range from film screenings and public dialogues to fundraisers and social media campaigns, all aiming to raise awareness and drive change.
As conflicts in Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, and Myanmar displace more people daily, UN officials warn the world cannot afford indifference.
“This is not about charity,” one official said. “It is about justice, rights, and shared humanity.”
World Refugee Day continues to serve as a powerful reminder that behind every displaced person is a story of loss but also a desire to start again. The international community is being asked to stand beside them not just today, but every day.
