World Refugee Day - 20 June 2024

Tags: Important Days

World Refugee Day is observed annually on 20 June.

An Overview of the News

• World Refugee Day is an internationally recognized day established by the United Nations.

• Its purpose is to pay tribute to refugees around the world.

• The day serves as a platform to acknowledge the bravery and determination of individuals who have been forced to flee their homeland due to conflict or persecution.

• This year's theme, "Solidarity with Refugees," underscores the crucial need to develop inclusive health systems and provide fair healthcare access to refugees globally, as highlighted by WHO.

History of World Refugee Day

• It originated with the resolution 55/76 of the United Nations General Assembly passed on 4 December 2000.

• The purpose of the resolution is to raise awareness of the growing global refugee population and to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention.

• The Refugee Convention of 1951 was established after World War II to establish a legal framework to protect and ensure the rights of refugees.

• The convention defined criteria for identifying individuals as refugees, outlined their rights, and defined the responsibilities of states in providing protection and assistance to them.

June 2024 Days and Themes

• World Sickle Cell Disease Day - 19 June - Theme - "Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally."

• International Day for Countering Hate Speech - 18 June - Theme -  "The Power of Youth for Countering and Addressing Hate Speech".

• World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought - 17 June - Theme - “United for Land. Our Legacy. Our Future,”

• World Blood Donor Day - 14 June - Theme - "20 years of celebrating giving: thank you, blood donors!"

• World Day Against Child Labour - 12 June -  Theme - "Let's act on our commitments: End Child Labour."

• World Accreditation Day - 9 June - Theme -"Accreditation: Empowering Tomorrow and Shaping the Future."