What is Refugee Day and Why Should You Care?

This June, the world will come together to observe World Refugee Day, in solidarity with individuals who have been displaced, or forced to flee their homes. It’s a somber event, but one that’s more crucial than ever.

The UN estimates that one in 69 people — or 1.5% of the global population — now falls in this category. It’s a figure that’s doubled in a decade.

What is refugee day meant to achieve in all this?

For us at the Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA), we believe it’s a critical time to raise awareness about the plight of the millions of refugees spread across the globe. By supporting our medical relief efforts, we hope you can help us inspire hope and build resilience in refugee communities. Learn how here.

What is Refugee Day and How is it Observed?

World Refugee Day falls every year on June 20. It was first observed in 2001, to commemorate 50 years since the United Nations drafted the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. In that now historic document, the Human Rights Commission defines a refugee as an individual who is unable to return to their country of origin for fear of being targeted for their race, religion or political opinions. 

It’s a definition that’s come to be applied in many different ways in communities across the world. In 2023, the UN estimated that there were 117.3 million displaced individuals worldwide, 43 million of which were children. By mid 2024, that number has gone well beyond 122 million. It’s a sharp rise, and one that requires our immediate attention.

Which Communities are Most Affected?

As per the UN’s most recent data, a majority of refugees come from four countries that have been ravaged by multiple years of economic strife and hardship. Each of these regions has seen upwards of six million individuals displaced. Here’s the breakdown. 

• • Syria: Feeling from a civil war that broke out in 2011 

• Venezuela: Following a period of economic collapse and human rights violations.

• Ukraine: Due to the ongoing war with Russia 

• Afghanistan: Prolonged periods of conflict beginning in 1979

We should not forget the Rohingya refugees from Myanmar in Bangladesh, as well IDPs in Yemen and Sudan. These people are also part of the large global refugee community.

Among these affected populations, the data suggest that a staggering 47 million of all refugees are children. For organizations like IMANA that provide relief to these populations, the numbers can be overwhelming. Worse still, they are only rising.

Moreover, a large number of people are considered to be refugees within their own borders as well. The most glaring example is that of Palestine. Nearly a third of all Palestinians were declared refugees following the end of the war in 1948. 

Today, there are nearly 6 million officially recognized Palestinian refugees, many of whom live in camps in Jordan, Lebanon, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. The plight of these individuals during this sustained war is a point of focus for many medical professionals at IMANA. Learn more about how you can support them here. 

What Can You Do This World Refugee Day? 

This World Refugee Day, you don’t have to be a silent spectator. While local communities, governments, and organizations are likely to lead the charge — and organize a host of pertinent events for you to attend — there are several ways you contribute too. This crisis cannot be fixed by the actions of one person after all. 

Hire Refugees or Support Refugee-Owned Businesses

If you live in a country with large refugee communities, the best way you can help them integrate is to get them back to work. For refugees, finding employment is more than just a paycheck — it’s a way of restoring dignity, autonomy and purpose.

If you’re an employer or entrepreneur consider creating job opportunities for displaced individuals. But even if you aren’t — simple actions like supporting refugee-run restaurants, craftspeople, or businesses can make a difference.

Spread Positive Stories

The narrative surrounding the plight of refugees is often one of suffering. But World Refugee Day is about more than amplifying stories of pain — it’s about celebrating remarkable achievements, and honoring strength and resilience. The more stories we share, the better we will be at countering harmful stereotypes.

Consider the story of Yusra Mardini, for instance.

In 2015, the 23-year-old woman was forced to flee war-struck Damascus and make her way to Europe. Nearing the end of the journey, her dinghy began to sink. Yusra, along with a couple of other passengers immediately jumped into the water and pushed the boat to safety — a three-hour gruelling swim in the Mediterranean.

The following year, when she had relocated to Germany, she was officially included in the country’s Olympic swimming delegation. Let stories like hers be a reminder that there are human faces and motivations behind every report of a refugee crisis.

Cultural Exchange

Another excellent way to support refugees is to build a welcoming environment. You could consider attending cultural events and festivals, going for cooking classes, or participating in language exchanges. Each of these presents a great opportunity to break down barriers and foster a feeling of mutual respect. Volunteer work can also be greatly fulfilling. 

Donate to a Cause

None of the humanitarian work that reaches refugee communities would be possible without public support. Organizations like IMANA deliver medical aid, operate mobile clinics, and offer mental health services in refugee camps across the world. With a small donation from you, we can provide: 

• Lifesaving medical care
• Critical supplies for displaced families
• Psychosocial support for children and trauma survivors
• Mentorship and scholarship sessions for aspiring medical students
• Faith-inspired activities to inspire hope in those who need it most

Today, Imana has ongoing programs for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh (since 2017), Yemen IDPs (since 2019), and Syrian refugees both in Jordan and Turkiye (since 2016).

It doesn’t matter if a large donation is out of your means — every small dollar goes towards helping us achieve our goals. Contact our team to learn more about IMANA’s efforts this World Refugee Day. To make a donation of any amount — large or small — follow this link. Let’s build a better future together.