World Refugee Day 2009

Right now, as war and violent conflict rage around the world, people just like you are running — for their lives, their families, their dignity and their freedom.  They often have to leave everything behind.  And they leave with nothing but their hope, courage and determination.  They are refugees.

On June 20, the International Rescue Committee joins the United Nations in its annual salute to the courage of refugees, World Refugee Day.

Take the World Refugee Day Quiz

Take our quiz and find out fascinating and surprising facts about refugees and the IRC's work leading them from harm to home. Plus, a generous donor will give the IRC $1 for every person who takes the quiz. Help us meet our $15,000 goal.

Join Our World Refugee Day Events

IRC offices worldwide are marking World Refugee Day with a variety of events throughout the month of June.  In the United States, celebrations will include art exhibitions, baseball, music, dancing, ethnic foods, craft markets, health fairs, picnics and -- above all -- refugees sharing their own stories of hope.

So far, IRC World Refugee Day events have been announced in the following cities: Baltimore, Boise, Charlottesville, Phoenix, San Diego, San Jose, suburban Washington, DC and Tucson.  Find other IRC US offices >

In the UK: IRC-UK Annual Lecture: Foreign Aid - Dead Right or Dead Wrong? London, June 22


Follow Us On Twitter

We're posting refugees' stories — along with facts you might not have known about refugees and humanitarian aid — on Twitter.  Follow us at "theIRC":
www.twitter.com/theIRC