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This World Refugee Day, Your Support Is Needed More Than Ever

This past year saw a record number of people – more than 123 million around the world – forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict or violence. Among them, nearly 43 million are refugees.

Save the Children works tirelessly to provide refugees and those displaced by conflict with lifesaving aid. Our programs aim to improve access to education and quality health care and protect children from exploitation. This World Refugee Day, you can help refugee children in the world’s hardest-to-reach places.

Questions About World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day is observed every year on June 20. In 2026, World Refugee Day falls on Saturday, June 20.

Established by the United Nations, World Refugee Day honors the strength and resilience of millions of refugees around the world who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, violence, persecution or disaster. The day also raises awareness about the challenges refugees face and encourages people everywhere to support displaced families and children.

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World Refugee Day is an international observance held each year on June 20 to recognize refugees around the world and raise awareness about the global refugee crisis.

Today, millions of children have been forced from their homes by conflict, hunger, weather-related disasters and violence. World Refugee Day is an opportunity to learn about their experiences, celebrate their courage and take action to help children and families rebuild their lives in safety.

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World Refugee Day was established by the United Nations in 2000 and was first observed globally on June 20, 2001. The date commemorates the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, an international agreement designed to protect the rights of refugees.

Since then, World Refugee Day has become a global day of awareness, advocacy and action for refugees and displaced people around the world.

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World Refugee Day shines a light on the experiences of people who have been forced to flee their homes and reminds us of our shared responsibility to support them.

Children are often among the most vulnerable during humanitarian crises. Many refugee children lose access to education, healthcare, protection and the stability every child needs to thrive. By raising awareness and inspiring action, World Refugee Day helps bring attention to the urgent needs of displaced children and families worldwide.

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World Refugee Day offers us a chance to raise awareness in our own communities about the conditions endured by millions of refugees every day. Together, we have an opportunity to show how everyone can help make a lasting impact on the lives of refugees in need.

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Receive World Refugee Day Stories in Your Inbox

Starting this World Refugee Day, June 20th, through the end of the month, we’ll share stories via email about children who are displaced, highlighting their resilience as they begin life in a new place and how we’re helping them along the way.


Enter your name and email below to receive these inspiring stories throughout the month.

By providing your email, you will receive email news of your generosity in action, including inspiring children's stories, emergency alerts and ways to get involved.

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Save the Children has a proven track record of using donations efficiently and effectively to change children's lives. We are proud to have received an A- rating from CharityWatch and a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the highest score possible from America’s leading independent charity evaluator. 

This recognition reflects our long-standing commitment to ethical governance, transparent operations, and fiscally responsible use of donor support.

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