June 20 is World Refugee Day (WRD), a day designated by the United Nations to honor and celebrate refugees around the world. World Refugee Day is an opportunity to highlight the journeys and risks refugees face, their dreams and hopes for a better future, and our responsibility to advocate for pathways to protection for all people forced to flee home.
In 2024, EMM’s marking of World Refugee Day is linked to celebrations of Pride Month in June, as we provide resources and invite local communities to support LGBTQ+ forced migrants (refugees and asylum seekers) through our Rainbow Initiative.
Join EMM during the month of June and take action to speak out in support of refugee resettlement and the dignity and rights of all people.
WE ARE ALL USA
In an interactive map resource, you will see all the World Refugee Day events available in the United States. To learn more, click on the event or scroll below the map to see the full list of upcoming events. You can also submit your own events! Learn more here.
Religions for Peace
Religions for Peace is pleased to invite you to an event in celebration of World Refugee Day: “Welcoming the Other: Strengthening Advocacy and Action for Refugees and Other Forcibly Displaced Communities” on Thursday, 20 June 2024, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM EDT. (Click here for your local time). The upcoming virtual event, “Welcoming the Other,” will convene diverse religious and faith leaders, women of faith, youth, and key stakeholders to discuss advocacy efforts, meaningful participation of displaced communities in decision-making and peacebuilding processes, and the empowerment women and youth within these communities.
Human Rights First
Join Human Rights First on June 20 from 5-7 PM in Washington, D.C., for the presentations of the Pro Bono Star Award to dedicated legal advocates who tirelessly champion the cause of asylum seekers, ensuring their safety and protection within the United States. This event aims to foster deeper connections with our valued clients, pro bono attorneys, and partners, showcasing our new D.C. office and strengthening relationships with law firms. Join us as we reaffirm our commitment to supporting asylum seekers in the DMV area and beyond. Register now to secure your spot and to receive event access details.
Explore the latest Global Trends report, published in June 2023, which provides key statistical trends on forced displacement.
How much do you know about the effects of climate change on refugees and displaced people? Take the quiz.
Learn more about World Refugee Day 2024
EMM Webinar Recording: The Rainbow Initiative: An introduction to LGBTQ+ forced migrants & what The Episcopal Church can do with and for them. Webinar resources: On demand video | PPT Slides (English) | PPT Slides en español
McGuirk, Siobhan, Max Niedzwiecki, Temitope Oke & Anastasia Volkova. (2015). Stronger Together, a Guide to Supporting LGBT Asylum Seekers. LGBT Freedom and Asylum Network. This guide provides comprehensive information about how communities can best serve LGBTQ+ asylum seekers in the United States.
Find more resources from the Rainbow Initiative here.
Learn more about the Episcopal Church’s stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion and related resources here.
UNHCR recognizes the unique vulnerabilities of LGBTQ+ persons who face displacement due to persecution and provides educational and training resources here.
The Religion and Forced Migration Initiative – A program of Princeton University’s Office of Religious Life featuring:
The Oral History Project on Religion & Resettlement, a Refugee Resource Map, and an extensive collection of learning materials.
- 2024 World Refugee Day Advocacy Toolkit
- 9 Things Your Congregation Can Do to Support Refugees
- Use Rainbow Initiative resources to plan a Pride service, prayers, and/or march in your community
- Contribute to the UNHCR’s Aiming Higher Fund, to help refugee students attend college
- Participate in IRAP’s How Many More Years? Campaign, to reunite refugee families
Social media can be important touch-points tracked by Congressional offices. Post to Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter using #SupportRefugees, #WithRefugees, #EpiscopalAdvocacy, #WRD2024 and be sure to tag your Members of Congress, EMM (@EMMRefugees), and UNHCR accounts (@USAforUNHCR, @refugees, @UNHCRUSA). Sample social media post language could include:
Today, on World Refugee Day, let’s honor the strength, resilience, and contributions of refugees worldwide. Let’s strive for a world where everyone has a place to call home and can live in dignity. #WRD2024! #EpiscopalAdvocacy #WithRefugees #SupportRefugees
On World Refugee Day, let’s amplify the voices of those forced to flee their homes. Let’s advocate for policies that protect their rights and ensure their safety. Together, we can build a more compassionate world. #WRD2024! #EpiscopalAdvocacy #WithRefugees #SupportRefugees
This World Refugee Day, let’s celebrate the diversity and richness that refugees bring to our communities. Let’s reject fear and embrace empathy, standing in solidarity with those seeking refuge and a better future. #WRD2024! #EpiscopalAdvocacy #WithRefugees #SupportRefugees
Today, let’s reflect on the millions of people around the world who are displaced due to conflict, persecution, and violence. Let’s commit to fostering compassion and understanding, offering support and hope to refugees everywhere. #WRD2024! #EpiscopalAdvocacy #WithRefugees #SupportRefugees
🏳️🌈🤝 On World Refugee Day, let’s remember that inclusivity knows no borders. LGBTQ+ refugees face unique challenges, and it’s our duty to create safe spaces for all. #RefugeesWelcome #Pride #WRD2024! #EpiscopalAdvocacy #WithRefugees #SupportRefugees
🕊️❤️ As we celebrate World Refugee Day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to compassion and solidarity. Let’s build a world where everyone, regardless of their background or identity, can live freely and without fear. #WRD2024! #EpiscopalAdvocacy #WithRefugees #SupportRefugees #PrideMonth
This World Refugee Day, let’s remember that love knows no borders. Let’s stand with refugees, including LGBTQ+ individuals, and work towards a future where everyone can live authentically and without discrimination. #WRD2024! #EpiscopalAdvocacy #WithRefugees #SupportRefugees #Pride2024