World Refugee Day 2026
About World Refugee Day
Every year on June 20, the world marks World Refugee Day, an international observance designated by the United Nations to honour the courage, strength, and resilience of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or human rights violations.
In 2026, World Refugee Day carries special significance. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention — the landmark international agreement that established the right to seek asylum and the principle that people must not be returned to places where their lives or freedoms are at risk. The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has anchored this year’s campaign in that founding promise: “The right to seek safety was made for you and me.”
In Alberta, World Refugee Day is a moment to recognize the contributions of refugees and newcomers to our communities — and to affirm the role our sector plays in building a province where everyone can belong.
World Refugee Day in Alberta
Alberta is home to eight Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP)-designated communities: Calgary, Edmonton, Brooks, Lethbridge, Red Deer, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie, and Fort McMurray. Across these communities, settlement and integration agencies provide essential supports to government-assisted refugees arriving in Canada, from immediate housing and orientation to long-term integration services.
AAISA, through its role as the RAP National Coordinating Body (NCB) in Alberta, works alongside these agencies and sector partners to strengthen the refugee resettlement system through collaborative governance, capacity building, and advocacy.
World Refugee Day is an opportunity for all Albertans — not just sector professionals — to learn about refugee experiences, support local agencies, and help foster welcoming communities across the province.
Take Action
Sign the CCR Open Letter to Prime Minister Carney
The Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) has launched a national campaign calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney and his cabinet to uphold Canada’s commitments to fair, welcoming, and rights-respecting immigration and refugee policy. Join organizations and individuals across the country in adding your voice.
Sign the open letter: https://ccrweb.ca/en/join-our-call-canada-welcoming-we-are
Access the CCR Week of Action Toolkit
The CCR’s Week of Action runs June 16–20, 2026. Their toolkit includes social media graphics and captions, daily action suggestions, an open letter to the Prime Minister, a printable postcard for MPs, and media outreach resources including a sample pitch for securing local coverage.
Access the CCR toolkit: https://ccrweb.ca/en/tools-action
Download a Printable Postcard for Your MP
Have an in-person event? Print, sign, and mail the CCR’s postcard to your MP — postage is free to MPs anywhere in Canada — or deliver it directly with a request for Canada to resettle more refugees.
Download the postcard: https://ccrweb.ca/en/tools-action
Learn More
UNHCR Canada — World Refugee Day Resources
UNHCR Canada’s World Refugee Day page includes the official campaign toolkit, stories from refugees, and information on how organizations and individuals can get involved. Use the hashtags #WorldRefugeeDay and #WithRefugees on social media.
UNHCR Canada: https://www.unhcr.ca/how-to-help/events/world-refugee-day/
UNHCR Global WRD 2026: https://www.unhcr.org/events/world-refugee-day-2026
National Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) Website
Learn about Canada’s refugee resettlement system, the RAP program, and the network of agencies and communities working to welcome government-assisted refugees across the country.
National RAP Website: https://rap-par.ca
Canadian Council for Refugees — Refugee Facts & Resources
The CCR offers a range of resources on refugee rights, resettlement, and how to take action — including fact sheets, myth-busting materials, and sector tools.
CCR Resources: https://ccrweb.ca/en/tools-action
How Organizations Can Participate
There are many ways settlement agencies, community organizations, and individuals can mark World Refugee Day:
- Host or attend a community event celebrating refugee contributions
- Share refugee success stories on social media using #WorldRefugeeDay
- Amplify the CCR open letter and toolkit with your networks
- Invite a refugee speaker or youth panelist to share their experience
- Recognize staff, volunteers, and community members with lived experience
- Engage local media with the CCR’s media outreach resources
- Showcase newcomer-owned businesses in your community
Submit Your World Refugee Day Event or Story
Are you hosting a World Refugee Day event or have a story to share? AAISA is compiling member events and spotlights for our special World Refugee Day newsletter edition, publishing June 19, 2026.
Submit your story or event: https://forms.office.com/r/K5wg9AFGsa
Submissions due: Tuesday, June 16 at 5:00 PM MST
AAISA’s World Refugee Day Insights Article
Publishing June 16–19, 2026 — check back soon.
This page will be updated throughout the Week of Action (June 16–20). Last updated: June 2026.
For questions, contact AAISA at communications@aaisa.ca