Subject
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Proclamation Declaring June 20, 2026, as World Refugee Day
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Department
City Clerk/Director of Council Operations Office
Recommendation
Staff recommend the Mayor and Council read and approve the proclamation.
Discussion
World Refugee Day is an International Day organized by the United Nations every year on June 20. It is designed to celebrate and honor refugees from around the world. The day was first established on June 20, 2001, in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.
The event aims to recognize the strength of the refugees who have fled the conflict and persecution of their country in the hope of finding sanctuary and living a better life. World Refugee Day builds the concept of understanding for their plight, which shows one's resilience and courage in the rebuilding of their future.
The day is seen as an opportunity for everyone to experience, understand, and celebrate "the rich diversity" of the communities of refugees. Events such as theatre, dance, films, and music aim to allow refugee community organizations, voluntary and statutory organizations, local councils, and schools to host events during the week in order to honor the cause.
Theme for World Refugee Day 2026
The theme for World Refugee Day 2026 is "Solidarity with Refugees." This theme highlights the importance of treating refugees with respect and advocating for their rights. It calls for communities and governments to take effective action to support and integrate refugees into society.
Key Aspects of the Theme
• Respect and Dignity: Emphasizes the need to treat refugees as individuals deserving of respect.
• Advocacy: Encourages active support for refugee rights and their integration into communities.
• Community Engagement: Urges local communities to create welcoming environments for refugees.
Goals of the Theme
• Promote Equality: Ensure refugees have equal opportunities in society.
• Combat Prejudice: Work against discrimination and negative stereotypes associated with refugees.
• Support Integration: Facilitate the process for refugees to become contributing members of their new communities.
World Refugee Day is also celebrated through World Refugee Week and is designed to provide an important chance for asylum seekers and refugees to be seen, listened to, and valued by the community in which they live.
Background
A refugee is an individual who leaves their country due to the ramifications of war, conflict, persecution, and violence they have faced within their home country. Through undertaking the process of crossing international borders, some refugees are often found to leave everything behind, carrying only the minimal clothing and possessions, with the plan to find safety and haven in a different country.
The 1951 Refugee Convention acknowledges a refugee as an individual who is unable to return to their country of origin owing to the well-founded fear of being affected by their race, religion, participation in a social group, or different political opinions.
From June 15 - 21, 2026, we will celebrate Refugee Week with the theme “Courage.”
What “Courage” means for Refugee Week 2026
The 2026 theme highlights:
• The daily courage refugees show in facing uncertain journeys, learning new languages, and navigating unfamiliar systems.
• The quiet, everyday acts of bravery-asking for help, sharing one’s story, trying something new, or simply continuing forward despite uncertainty.
• A call for communities to show collective courage: welcoming newcomers, standing up for dignity and protection, and celebrating culture and connection.
• The significance of 2026 marking the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, reinforcing the global commitment to protection and hope.
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council proclaim this proclamation annually.