World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day is June 20.

According to the 1951 Refugee Convention, a refugee is one who “owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country.” The Catholic Church has for decades taken seriously the plight of these vulnerable refugees and through advocacy, education efforts, and service provision sought to provide increased protections for them.

These efforts take place on the international level through the hard work of Maryknoll Sisters, Fathers and Brothers, and Lay Missioners who provide support in camps and communities across the world to refugees. The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns advocates for further protections at the United Nations and by the U.S. government.

Please download the World Refugee Day 2018 toolkit produced by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for use in your parishes and local community!