6 Actions You Can Take For World Refugee Day

On June 20, 2021, we will celebrate 20 years of World Refugee Day, an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe.

With 26 million people living with refugee status around the world, global awareness and action are urgently needed to support those fleeing conflict and/or persecution. Here are six actions you can take on World Refugee Day to help shine a light on the global displacement crisis.

Here are 6 actions you can take on World Refugee Day

1. Join the conversation on social media

Follow the conversation online with #WRD2021 and #WorldRefugeeDay to learn more about the global refugee crisis and how individuals, organizations, and governments around the world are responding. And be sure to check out our weekly Ask Me Anything series in our Instagram stories throughout the month of June, featuring alumni of our Student Refugee Program and WUSC team members!

2. Follow and share WUSC’s Refugee Spotlight Series on social media

From June 1 to 20, WUSC is profiling current and former refugees who have contributed to making the world a better place on our social media platforms. Follow along and share your favourites with your networks. Find the series on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

3. Watch the recording of our recent book launch for Deadly Voyages: Migrant Journeys across the Globe

On Monday, June 7, WUSC hosted the co-editors and three authors of the new book, Deadly Voyages: Migrant Journeys across the Globe. This book explores the burdens and impact of perilous migration, while considering which laws, policies, practices, and venues might establish empathy and protection for migrants. It was co-edited by Veronica Fynn Bruey, Assistant Professor in the Department of Legal Studies at Athabasca University and alum of WUSC’s Student Refugee Program, and Professor Steven Bender, Associate Dean for Planning and Strategic Initiatives and Professor of Law at the Seattle University School of Law. Watch the recording here.

4. Support refugee-led businesses

Did you know that 14.4% of people who came to Canada through refugee pathways are entrepreneurs? Refugees create jobs for both themselves and those in their host country or country of resettlement. Do some research on local businesses in your community to see if there is a refugee-led business you can support. Here are a few resources to get you started.

5. Volunteer in support of refugee-led organizations

WUSC partners with local refugee-led organizations to improve economic opportunities for displaced youth around the world. Our e-volunteers provide capacity-building support to these organizations to help them realize their goals. Consider volunteering your time from the comfort of your own home as a Business Management Advisor with RefuSHE in Kenya or a Digital Marketing Advisor with There is Hope – Malawi. Learn more about e-volunteering with WUSC and view all opportunities.

6. Donate to the Student Refugee Program – or host a Fundraiser!

WUSC’s Student Refugee Program is the only one of its kind to combine resettlement with opportunities for post-secondary education for young refugees. Since it was founded in 1978, the program has resettled more than 2,000 refugees to Canada where they can build a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities. Donate today and help refugee youth realize their full potential.