World Refugee Day observed across the world on 20 June

World Refugee Day was observed across the world on 20 June 2014. The day is observed annually to draw attention to the plight of refugees, celebrate their courage and resilience and renew commitment to solve refugee problems. It also recognises contributions of the refugees made to the countries that host them.

To support the refugees across the world, over twenty celebrities from around the world have released a series video of 30 second. In the video, the celebrities support the refugees as part of coordinated campaign for the 2014 World Refugee Day.

As per the UN Refugee Agency’s (UNHCR) annual Global Trends report, the number of refugees including internally displaced and asylum-seekers across the world has for the first time crossed 50 million in 2013 which is the highest since the World War II. The released UNHCR’s is based on the data provided by government and non-governmental partners organsiation. The data says the number of refugees in 2013 increased by 6 million from 45.2 million in 2012.

About World Refugee Day
Across the world, different countries have been observing their own Refugee Days since many years. Few countries also observe it as a week.  The African Refugee Day which is observed on 20 June is observed across several countries as Refugee Day.

The UN General Assembly adopted resolution 55/76 on 4 December 2000 and decided to observe the World Refugee Day on 20 June every year. The General Assembly on the day of passage of resolution also noted that 2001 marked the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention related to the status of Refugees. It also observed that Organisation of African Unity (OAU) had also agreed to have an International Refugee Day that coincides with Africa Refugee Day on 20 June.