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World Refugee Day 2025: ‘Let Us Choose Solidarity. Let Us Choose Courage. Let Us Choose Humanity’

On World Refugee Day 2025, solidarity with displaced people must go beyond words and translate into actions, say directly impacted individuals, their advocates, faith voices, and international leaders.

At a time of record displacement and shrinking support, we always choose solidarity over silence.This #WorldRefugeeDay, we honour refugees not just with our words, but with action, empathy and unwavering support.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@unhcr.org) 2025-06-20T05:47:59.336Z

“Solidarity must mean boosting humanitarian and development support; expanding protection and durable solutions, such as resettlement; and upholding the right to seek asylum — a pillar of international law,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “Becoming a refugee is never a choice — but how we respond is. So let us choose solidarity. Let us choose courage. Let us choose humanity.”

“As our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has affirmed, the temptation to turn inward, to isolate ourselves from the needs of our brothers and sisters around the world, is incompatible with a Christian vision for the common good,” said Bishop Mark J. Seitz, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration. Pope Leo XIV’s first US bishop appointment, Bishop Michael Pham, is himself a former refugee. 

“We must remember Christ’s exhortation in Luke’s Gospel: to whom much is given, much is required,” Bishop Seitz continued.

“On World Refugee Day, we remember that displacement is not a choice – it’s the result of conflict, violence, and failed policies,” said S.D., a New Mexico delegate of the Refugee Congress. “Many of us know this firsthand. We carry the memory of leaving everything behind, not for want—but for survival. We urge global leaders and communities to address the causes of displacement and welcome those seeking safety – not as a favor, but as a shared responsibility.”

Today is #WorldRefugeeDay! We honor refugees and all forcibly displaced people, and stand alongside our communities and partners in recognizing the human value of each person seeking safety.Read more: refugeecongress.org/news-updates…

(@refugeecongress.bsky.social) 2025-06-20T15:17:46.726Z

As record numbers of refugees have been forced to leave their homes, communities, and loved ones in recent years due to armed conflicts, environmental disasters, climate change, and persecution, displaced people from around the globe need our support now more than ever. 

“The UN Refugee Agency reports that over 122 million people are now displaced around the world,” with children making up 40% of this number, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) said. “This number has doubled in the past decade, highlighting a bleak global reality, especially as aid funding is being cut.” A humanitarian catastrophe has been unfolding as thousands of foreign aid contracts have been canceled and an indefinite refugee ban remains in place, with thousands of vetted individuals left stranded.

“But, even as the world falls short, refugees continue to show extraordinary courage, resilience and determination,” Secretary-General Guterres continued. “And when given the chance, they contribute meaningfully — strengthening economies, enriching cultures and deepening social bonds.” 

UNHCR lifts up some of these stories of strength and courage. Jean Pierre Gatera, a refugee from Burundi, is now a faith leader in Minneapolis and “serves as a source of strength and inspiration for the church’s congregation and local community.” In Utah, Aline and Christine are among Congolese refugees helping to heal and empower each other through a knitting group. And back in Minneapolis, Vietnamese refugee Bao Phi is now a renowned author and two-time Minnesota Grand Slam champion.

“Everyone needs protection, everyone needs a community, everyone needs opportunities,” Pastor Gatera said.

On #WorldRefugeeDay, here are 5 powerful films to watch that spotlight refugee voices and perspectives, bringing attention to stories that often go untold.📽️ bit.ly/3HOwnjI

UNHCR United States (@usa.unhcr.org) 2025-06-20T15:44:26.684Z

Not only is embracing displaced people the right thing to do, it benefits our nation as well. A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) study from last year found that refugees and asylees are net contributors to our economy, paying an estimated $581 billion in revenue to federal, state and local economies. “They contributed an estimated $363 billion to the federal government through payroll, income, and excise taxes, and $218 billion to state and local governments, through income, sales, and property taxes,” the study said

Refugees also “enter the workforce at high rates, often filling labor shortages in critical industries,” IRC said, and are natural-born entrepreneurs who strengthen communities through their resilience and skills.

“Entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic growth, and refugees excel in this area. In 2019, 13% of refugees in the U.S. were entrepreneurs, surpassing the 11.7% rate among non-refugee immigrants and the 9% rate among U.S.-born citizens. This amounted to nearly 188,000 refugee-owned businesses across the country.”

“Their businesses range from restaurants and retail shops to technology firms and transportation services,” IRC continued. “In cities like Buffalo, NY, and Fargo, ND, refugee entrepreneurs have revitalized entire neighborhoods, turning abandoned storefronts into thriving small businesses that create jobs and boost local economies.”

You too can play an important part in affirming the dignity and rights of refugees. The Refugee Advocacy Lab, the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), Refugee Congress, Refugee Council USA (RCUSA), Refugees International, Save Resettlement, and Welcoming America have launched the #WeWillWelcome pledge affirming that communities in the U.S. are welcoming communities. 

Gestures like talking to your neighbor, volunteering at a local resettlement agency, or simply sharing your own family’s immigration story can go a long way in saying that everyone belongs:

When the world feels divided, we choose connection. One act of welcome can make someone feel seen, safe, & valued.Join us—sign the #WeWillWelcome Pledge today to help build inclusive, resilient, & safe communities.✅Take the pledge: bit.ly/WelcomingPle…🤝Do an act of welcome.📢Spread the word.

Refugee Advocacy Lab (@refugeeadvocacylab.bsky.social) 2025-06-20T14:02:09.028Z

Everyone deserves a safe place to call home.#WorldRefugeeDay is a reminder that behind every displaced person is a story of resilience, hope, and survival. We stand in solidarity with refugees and recommit to building a world that welcomes them with compassion and justice.

America's Voice (@americasvoice.bsky.social) 2025-06-20T14:45:15.077Z

Refugees “are not a burden—they are a benefit to this country,” says Mandela Gapala, who writes that a “spirit of resilience” helped his family survive a decade in a refugee camp after fleeing the Democratic Republic of Congo. He now calls Kentucky his home, and works to help other refugees rebuild their lives, continue contributing, and reach their full potential.

Refugees “pack our food, build our homes, and take care of our loved ones even though many have credentials to do more,” Gapala said. “Refugees stay in jobs longer than native-born, raise families, pay taxes, and help local businesses grow. But beyond all they contribute, even though it mostly goes unnoticed, refugees deserve protection because they are human beings with dignity, dreams, and the right to live in safety.”



The mission of and America’s Voice Education Fund (AVEF) is to create the momentum necessary to advance policy changes that ensure belonging and opportunity for immigrants in America.

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