According to the UNHCR, as of mid-2025, more than 100 million people worldwide have been forcibly displaced, marking an unprecedented level. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) reports that one-third of all forcibly displaced people globally originate from just four war-torn countries: Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. These figures highlight the scale of global displacement.

In this context, the UNHCR calls for solidarity with refugees for World Refugee Day 2025, emphasising that solidarity means offering opportunity and self-advancement rather than charity. The agency encourages sharing refugee stories, creating welcoming communities where refugees have a place—whether through work, school, sports, or other civic activities—and working towards peace. Jérôme Bobin, Director of Institutional Funding at Handicap International, expresses concern over decreasing funding for NGOs assisting refugees, as well as the overall decline in international humanitarian aid, despite rising needs. The World Health Organization (WHO) also underscores the importance of ensuring refugees’ access to health services, dignity, protection, and inclusion during displacement and integration.

In Belgium, organisations such as Fedasil and the Belgian Red Cross organise various activities to raise public awareness and support refugees and asylum seekers. They both organise cultural and festive events that encourage social interaction and community building. Personal stories are shared by organisations like Samusocial to put faces and life experiences behind the numbers. Furthermore, peace and solidarity groups have launched initiatives such as the “Declaration of Langemark 2.0,” which reaffirms a commitment to welcoming refugees generously. Several related activities are planned to continue until early July. For more information, please visit this page.