On the occasion of World Refugee Day, the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, underlines that refugees need our solidarity more than ever and invites us to reflect on the challenges they face. Three short films challenge the stereotypes about refugees by focusing on what unites us rather than what sets us apart. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reminds us that refugees have unique health needs and stresses that showing solidarity also means supporting their health needs. The WHO stresses that an action plan for Refugee and Migrant Health in the WHO European Region 2023–2030 supports countries to make health for all, including refugees and migrants, a reality. 

In Belgium, various actors also draw attention to the millions of people around the world who are fleeing conflict or persecution. The Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons (CGRS) recalls that its mission, which is to provide protection to people who need it, is crucial. The CGVS recognises that much work still remains to be done to reduce the backlog of files and processing times but is investing efforts and actions to achieve a more efficient and faster processing of applications for international protection. Fedasil, the Federal Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers, announces that festive activities for the general public are organised in June in several reception centers to raise awareness of daily life in a reception center for asylum seekers. The Red Cross also opens its doors to break stereotypes and create links between neighbours and residents of reception centers. Refugee Committees, with the support of UNHCR and the Brussels Capital Region, are rolling out a week of activities (concerts, football tournament, photo exhibition, book fair, movie night...) to celebrate the strengths and contributions of refugees. 

Other associations are organising events to mark this World Refugee Day, so keep an eye out for what is happening in your towns and neighborhoods!