UNOV - United Nations Office at Wien
UNOV - United Nations Office at Wien
06/20/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/18/2026 18:03
The Secretary-General: Message on World Refugee Day
UNIS/SGSM/1599
18 June 2026
The Secretary-General
20 June 2026
As divisions deepen across our world, new and protracted conflicts are compelling millions of women, children and men to seek safety far from home.
These turbulent times must be a moment for renewed solidarity and robust action to protect people displaced by conflict or persecution. That includes upholding the Refugee Convention, which has saved millions of lives since its adoption 75 years ago in the aftermath of the Second World War.
On World Refugee Day, we call for stronger support for all those forced to flee, as well as the countries and communities hosting them. By upholding international refugee law. Safeguarding the right to seek asylum. Forging solutions that enable refugees to live in safety and dignity, with real opportunities for self-reliance. And redoubling efforts towards peace.
Let us be inspired by the generosity of communities in developing countries, which host nearly three-quarters of the world's refugees.
Together, we can protect the rights of all people forced to flee, now and for generations to come.
* *** *
UNOV - United Nations Office at Wien published this content on June 20, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 19, 2026 at 00:03 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]