By Alana Mauger

The American Red Cross joins communities and organizations around the globe to commemorate World Refugee Day on June 20, an international day designated by the United Nations to celebrate the strength and courage of people who make the difficult decision to flee their home countries to escape conflict or persecution.

According to UNHCR: The UN Refugee Agency, 82.4 million people worldwide, 40% of whom are children, were forcibly displaced as a result of persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events disturbing public order as of December 2020. In fact, UNHCR finds that one person is displaced every two seconds. Migrants’ journeys are often dangerous. They may lose contact with their families, fall victim to human trafficking or be exploited in informal labor arrangements.

As part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, the American Red Cross partners with Red Cross and Red Crescent teams to provide aid and hope to migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in accordance with our seven fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. Together, the network provides aid to migrants at various stages of their journeys: in countries of origin, transit and destination.

• Countries of Origin – The network delivers relief supplies, like food, water, hygiene kits, baby supplies, clothing and basic medical items, as well as first aid and medical services, shelter and comfort to families traumatized by conflict. This work takes place all over the globe—from Africa and Central America to Europe, Asia and the Middle East. 

• Transit – The American Red Cross lends its expertise in information management and mapping to ensure that local Red Cross and Red Crescent teams can respond together rather than individually. Whether on the ground or at sea, these teams deliver help to anyone in need regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or citizenship status.

• Destination – Since 2011, the American Red Cross has committed millions of dollars to support global relief efforts in Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, as well as in Europe. And in Bangladesh, the Red Cross helps prepare families fleeing Myanmar for weather emergencies and trains them in first aid.

At each stage of the journey, Red Cross and Red Crescent teams work to reconnect families separated by international crises via the Restoring Family Links program, which is free and confidential.   Check out UNCHR’s Live World Refugee Day Blog for more information.