They have faced the unimaginable. They have witnessed the unspeakable. Yet even in their darkest hour, millions of refugees all over the world continue to see the light, demonstrating strength, courage and a will to survive.
Today on World Refugee Day, we honour the millions of remarkable children, women and men whose lives are interrupted and are forced to flee due to war, violence or persecution.
The global refugee crisis has never been worse. The new Global Trends report released by the UN Refugee Agency revealed that 68.5 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide in 2017—a record high. Of that staggering number, refugees forced to flee their countries to escape conflict and persecution accounted for 25.4 million people. This is 2.9 million more than in 2016—and the largest increase we have seen in a single year.
The numbers are staggering. The task is daunting. The work is long. But UNHCR remains committed to sheltering, protecting and offering a vital lifeline to refugees in need. We are only able to forge forward in our efforts thanks to the dedication of supporters like you who open your hearts and homes to individuals with nowhere left to turn.
On World Refugee Day and every day we stand #WithRefugees—and we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you!
Gratefully,
The team at UNHCR Canada