Published on: 2026-06-20
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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Every minute, 20 people on Earth leave their homes because of war, persecution, or danger to their lives. The UN reminds of this on the occasion of World Refugee Day, observed on June 20.
By mid-2025, there were 117.3 million people worldwide who were forced to leave their homes (both refugees and internally displaced persons). 71 percent of all refugees and other persons in need of international protection were hosted by countries with low and middle income levels.
As of mid-2025, Sudan was the country with the largest population displacement in the world: it counted 13.4 million refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons.
“In these turbulent times, it is especially important to show solidarity and take decisive actions to protect people displaced as a result of conflicts or persecution,” says the statement by the UN Secretary-General on the occasion of World Refugee Day.
António Guterrescalled for more active support for everyone who was forced to flee, as well as countries and communities that provided them with shelter.
On the eve of World Refugee Day, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) called on the international community to renew its commitmentfor protection and supportalmost 42 million people who were forced to leave their countries because of war, violence, and persecution.
In his statement, the head of the UNHCR Barham Salih reminds that refugees contribute daily to the development of the societies that accept them – as workers, students, neighbors, entrepreneurs, artists, and athletes: “Having received this opportunity, they restore their lives and contribute to the development of society.”
“Being a refugee is not for a lifetime”
Leaving home in search of safety is one of the most difficult things in anyone’s life. “I know this from my own experience,” Bar Am Saleh noted, emphasizing that the status of a refugee should not define a person’s entire future life. Although millions of people have been forced to leave their homes, they should not lose hope — for safe housing, access to education, and the possibility of decent work.
However, the reality remains harsh: many refugees turn out to beIn a state of long-term dependence on humanitarian aid, the volumes of which are shrinking worldwide. UNHCR will continue to provide emergency support to refugees, however, as emphasized in the statement, “humanitarian aid saves lives but cannot be the ultimate goal.” For many people, the emergency situation turns into years, and sometimes even decades, of waiting.
To change this dynamic, the UNHCR sets itself a large-scale task – to halve the number of refugees over ten years, many of whom live in conditions of prolonged displacement and dependency on humanitarian aid. Special attention will be paid to countries with low and middle income levels that host the majority of refugees. According to the High Commissioner, achieving this goal will allow shifting from “managing displacement” to a real solution to the problem.
75 years of the Geneva Convention
World Refugee Day this year coincides with an important anniversary: 75 years ago, after the Second World War, states adoptedConvention on the Status of Refugees, securing the right of every person fleeing from war or persecution to seek asylum and protection.
“Today my message is absolutely clear: we must continue to fulfill this promise. Until everyone is safe – no one is safe,” said the Commissioner.
Sale emphasized that the right to seek asylum is not just an expression of solidarity, but a call to action. This right was created precisely for times like the present, and its protection depends on the area of shared responsibility.
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