Today is the World Refugee Day and we are half way through celebrating the 20^th anniversary of Refugee Week.

The UNHCR’s Global Report shows that there were 68.5 million displaced people around the world. This includes 25.4 million refugees (including 5.4 million Palestinian refugees), 40 million internally displaced and 3.1 million asylum seekers. 57 per cent of refugees worldwide came from three countries – Syria, Afghanistan and South Sudan. 85 per cent of the world’s displaced people are hosted by developing countries. More than a half of the world’s refugees are under the age of 18.

With this happening around the world, initiatives such as the Refugee Week are especially important. And this year, it’s definitely been a big 20^th anniversary so far – there are over 650 events happening across the country, great media coverage and enthusiastic response to Simple Acts.

Migrant Help is leading on Simple Act No. 7 (send a message of welcome) and we have messages coming in every day, with schools, football fan clubs and churches getting involved. Have a look at our social media for some of the messages we've received so far and to add your own.  

All our teams across the country have been busy organising and taking part in events celebrating the contributions of refugees. 

We live a diverse society but we are all human. This sentiment has been beautifully expressed by 10-year old Frasier in his book 'There is a boy just like me' - have a listen. 

We stand together, or we fail.

As long as there are wars and persecution, there will be refugees. On World Refugee Day, I ask you to remember them.

Their story is one of resilience, perseverance and courage. Ours must be of solidarity, compassion and action.

 António Guterres