World Refugee Day: UNHCR Commemorates 75 Years of Protection Rights
World Refugee Day: UNHCR Commemorates 75 Years of Protection Rights
World Refugee Day in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific
New Zealand: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has joined with partners in Wellington and Auckland this week to celebrate World Refugee Day, commemorate the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, and recognize New Zealand’s longstanding contribution to refugee protection and solutions.
This year’s theme, Until Everyone is Safe, comes at a time when the right to seek asylum is under growing pressure in many parts of the world. It serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of the 1951 Refugee Convention and its core principles.
Established in the aftermath of the Second World War, the Convention marked a historic commitment by the international community to ensure that people forced to flee persecution would have the right to seek safety and rebuild their lives. Seventy-five years on, that commitment remains as vital as ever.
UNHCR Representative for Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific, Soo-Jin Rhee, said the anniversary represents both reflection and renewed resolve.
“Marking 75 years of the Refugee Convention, we are reminded of a defining global commitment, one that has protected millions and continues to serve as a vital foundation for refugee rights today,” Ms Rhee said.
“This anniversary is both a moment to reflect on how far we have come, and a call to renew our collective resolve to uphold the promise of safety for all.”
UNHCR commends New Zealand for its consistent implementation of the Convention’s principles, including embedding key safeguards such as non-refoulement into domestic law.
Since the Second World War, New Zealand has resettled more than 35,000 refugees, offering permanent residence on arrival and comprehensive settlement support.
At a time when global displacement remains at near-record levels. With more than 117 million people forcibly displaced worldwide, including almost 42 million refugees, this kind of solidarity is needed more than ever.
Consistent with the foundations set by the 1951 Refugee Convention, UNHCR calls on governments, communities and individuals to stand with refugees and uphold the promise of safety.
UNHCR and partners this week commemorated World Refugee Day with ceremonies in Parliament House, Wellington, and at Mangere Refugee Reception Centre in Auckland.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
BEN FARRELL
Tel: +61 426 796 138
