World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe.

Description and History

World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. Since 2001, each year on June 20 we celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. World Refugee Day is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.

Professional Learning Resources

Libraries Respond: Immigrants, Refugees, and Asylum Seekers

Libraries Respond keeps current events in conversation with libraries' ongoing work in and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. This collection contains resources on Immigrants, Refugees, and Asylum Seekers.

Screenshot of NASP Supporting Refugee Children & Youth: Tips for Educators

Supporting Refugee Children and Youth: Tips for Educators

These reminders from the National Association of School Psychologists are good to consider when thinking of refugee families. They often need consideration, support, or services from a wider school community.

Learner Engagement Resources

Screenshot of https://refugeedolls.org/default.html

The Refugee Doll Project

The Refugee Doll Project demonstrates how refugee dolls can be used with books, lesson plans, and service projects to help learners internalize the concepts of what it is like to be new, what it is like to be different, and how to be welcoming.

Screenshot of https://www.unrefugees.org/refugee-facts/world-refugee-day/

Refugee Stories from USA for UNHCR

USA for UNHCR shares information, hashtags, and stories (videos and text) to commemorate the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of refugees.

Screenshot of https://imyourneighborbooks.org/welcoming-library/

The Welcoming Library from I’m Your Neighbor

A Welcoming Library can be borrowed from locations around the nation. I’m Your Neighbor also regularly updates the book list of books for all ages with themes around refugees, immigration, and new Americans.

Screenshot of https://www.walkwithamal.org/

Little Amal and The Walk

Little Amal is a 12 foot puppet of a 10 year old Syrian girl. She has visited cities and towns around the world bringing attention to the large numbers of refugee children fleeing war, persecution, and violence. Education packs and poems are available.

Screenshot of https://elisegravel.com/en/blog/whats-a-refugee/

What is a Refugee?

Download a What is a Refugee graphic/poster from illustrator Elise Gravel. The comic depiction is suitable for all levels of libraries and can provide context when paired with more abstract texts.