By: Maria Clara Martin, UNHCR Representative in Greece | unhcr.org | 20 June 2025
World Refugee Day: Standing Together, Sharing Together
Today, we mark World Refugee Day, a moment to honour the courage and strength of refugees across the globe, as we also reflect on their stories of loss and pain.
We are living through volatile times. Displacement remains at record levels after a decade of increases (one in every 67 people on the planet is displaced), conflicts go unresolved, civilians are under attack in many parts of the world -- and humanitarian aid is being slashed, putting millions of lives at risk.
Sadly, in many parts of the world, the right to asylum is under threat. Tougher and more restrictive policies are making it harder for people fleeing war, violence and persecution to find safety.
Dehumanizing narratives around refugees are being used for political gain, fueling a negative global discourse and masking the reality of who we really are as humans living in community.
Noone chooses to be a refugee. Refugees are the result of our collective failure to make peace, prevent wars and end gross human rights violations. They are not to blame – they are victims of the very things we deplore. So let’s not allow fear and misinformation to overshadow our will to support refugees. Instead, let us amplify a different message, one of compassion, unity, and hope.
World Refugee Day is not just one day of commemoration. It is about action. About listening. About creating space in our community for everyone to feel welcome, safe, and valued.
Together, we have the power to make a real difference. Whether it is helping refugees feel at home, advocating for fair policies, creating job opportunities, donating time or resources, or simply sharing a story. Every gesture counts. We can build a community where every single one of its members has a place and is recognized. A place where everyone belongs.
Let’s remember: refugees are people, and like all people they have potential, talent and skills. They should not be defined by what they’ve lost, but by how they thrive through adversity. They need opportunities, and when given the chance, they will become valued members of our societies, bringing wealth and enriching our cultures.
This World Refugee Day, UNHCR Greece joins with partners, refugee communities, local citizens, chefs and artists to say: “We see you. You are not forgotten. You are not alone.” Let our collective acts of compassion, however small—sharing a meal, an opportunity, a story—pave the way towards a more inclusive and prosperous society.
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