World Refugee Day Events
On World Refugee Day, held every year on June 20th, we honor the strength, courage and perseverance of millions of refugees.
WORLD REFUGEE DAY CONCERT AT THE KENNEDY CENTER
In partnership with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the National Geographic Society, join us on June 20, 2019 in Washington, DC as we pay tribute to the millions of refugees and forcibly displaced people around the world and the communities that welcome them with a special program on the Millennium Stage.
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5:15 pm – 6:00 pm: A conversation with National Geographic Photo Camp refugee youth participants sharing stories of resilience, hope for their futures and connections to their new communities. With remarks from UNHCR and the National Geographic Society.
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm: A live performance by Alsarah & the Nubatones, an internationally acclaimed Brooklyn-based group with an authentic sound: ‘East – African retro-pop’. Their music features refugee themes including songs of displacement and returning home, as well as the cultural influences of Sudan and Egypt. With a diverse global audience, the Nubatones have proven over and over that soul crosses all cultural and linguistic barriers.
This event is free and open to the public. Learn more about the event and RSVP on Facebook to let us know you’ll be there.
Free parking is not provided for free performances at the Kennedy Center.
WORLD REFUGEE DAY PITTSBURGH
On June 21, 2019, UNHCR will participate in a community event at Pittsburgh’s Market Square to mark World Refugee Day with food, crafts and performances highlighting the talents and culture refugees have brought to the city. This event is being organized by HIAS, Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Pittsburgh and Acculturation for Justice, Access, and Peace Outreach (AJAPO) and will be held from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Learn more here.
WORLD REFUGEE DAY STORYTELLING NIGHT
We are excited to join poets, storytellers and singer-songwriters for Home, Safe and Sound: World Refugee Day Storytelling Night at Busboys and Poets on June 23, 2019 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm in Washington, DC with a special guest speaker from UNHCR. This event is organized by Church World Service to support Refugee Council USA and co-hosted by Latin America Working Group. Learn more about this free event here.
ONE JOURNEY FESTIVAL FT. EMI MAHMOUD
Join UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and Sudanese-American slam poet Emi Mahmoud at the One Journey Festival on June 29, 2019 from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm at the Washington National Cathedral for a family friendly celebration in honor of refugees in the United States and around the world. Visit us in the Tech Tent for an interactive biometrics and refugee registration demonstration.
REFUGEE CREATOR FESTIVAL
To celebrate World Refugee Day in New York City, UNHCR and WeWork, one of our global partners, have joined forces to organize the Refugee Creator Festival. This festival, happening on June 19th, 5:00-8:00PM, at a WeWork venue, will celebrate the many talents, skills and contributions of refugees around the world. We hope you will show your support for refugees over food, drinks, poetry, photography and a specially curated marketplace, featuring goods made by and in support of refugees.
Learn more about this free event and RSVP here.
WORLD REFUGEE DAY: A NIGHT OF MUSIC AND STORYTELLING
Join us in New York City at the Greene Space for a night of dynamic storytelling, performance and conversation. Mirza Ramič, leader of the electronic music outfit Arms and Sleepers — and himself a Bosnian refugee — will perform original music inspired by his journey and the war that forever changed his family’s life. UNHCR supporter Ahmed Badr will also perform work inspired by his journey from Iraq and the world he left behind. Additional speakers include New American Economy, RDJ Refugee Shelter in Harlem and Iraqi refugee poet Faleeha Hassan.
Learn more here.
Find an event near you.
Communities across the United States and around the world will gather to commemorate World Refugee Day. Find an event near you, show your solidarity and stand together with refugees.