Joint statement by the European Commission and the High Representative on World Refugee Day

European Commission - Statement Joint statement by the European Commission and the High Representative on World Refugee Day Brussels, 20 June 2025 On World Refugee Day, we commemorate the strength and resilience of refugees, who have left their homes not by choice, but due to conflict, violence, persecution or human rights violations. This year's World Refugee Day comes at a time when a record of more than 122 million people have been forcibly displaced worldwide. The EU supports millions of refugees, from those having fled the conflict in Syria to hosting over 4.3 million Ukrainians under Temporary Protection due to Russia's war, reaffirming the EU as a safe haven for those in need. Globally, the EU upholds its responsibility as the world's leading donor, responding to crises such as those in Sudan and the Middle East. Our humanitarian and development efforts focus on safeguarding refugee rights, ensuring access to essential services, and offering durable solutions – including assisted voluntary return, local integration and resettlement. Global cooperation and solidarity are key to ensure the protection of refugees worldwide. Support to the vital work of international organisations especially the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) is of outmost importance and must be sustained. The EU will continue to play its role on the global stage and uphold refugees' rights, in line with EU and international law. Background The EU and...