Parliamentary Friends of Refugees Event - June 2026

Senator Paul Scarr

Senator David Shoebridge

Ms. Allegra Spender, MP

Ms. Sarah Witty, MP

Adama Kamara, Co-CEO, Refugee Council of Australia

Honourable Jullian Hill, Assistant Minister for Immigration

Excellencies, distinguished guests, and friends.

Good afternoon,

I would like to start by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet – the Ngunnawal (NUH-nuh-wahl) people, and pay my respect to their Elders, both past and present.

Last week we marked the World Refugee Day. This year the theme was Until Everyone is Safe.

Coming at a time when the right to seek asylum is under growing pressure in many parts of the world, it reminds people of the enduring relevance of the 1951 Refugee Convention and its simple, but powerful, universal principle: the right to seek safety extends to us all.

This year marks a few other significant milestones for Australia.

An event that has special significance for UNHCR is that we mark the 75^th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention.

We also recognise Australia’s generosity in welcoming one million humanitarian entrants since World War II. We launch the commemorative stamp along with Australia post and Refugee Council of Australia at the Government House generously hosted by the Her Excellency, the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.

And lastly, UNHCR joins our partners the Refugee Council of Australia as we commemorate 40 years World Refugee Week in Australia.

This time of the year, while we mark World Refugee Day, is a moment of reflection and celebration. It honours the courage, resilience, and achievements of refugees everywhere.

But it is also, importantly, a moment to recognize solidarity – the solidarity that makes protection possible.

At a time when global displacement remains at near-record levels — with over 117 million people forcibly displaced worldwide, including more than 42 million refugees — solidarity is needed more than ever. Conflicts continue; solutions remain elusive for many, and the burden continues to fall disproportionately on countries closest to crises.

Yet amid these challenges, Australia stands out.

Seventy-five years ago, in the aftermath of the Second World War, countries came together and agreed that anyone forced to flee war, conflict or persecution should be able to seek safety and rebuild their lives in another country – this is the essence of the 1951 Refugee Convention.

Australia was not only a founding signatory to this Convention – its ratification helped bring it into force.

This was an act of foresight, leadership, and solidarity that continues to resonate globally.

That same spirit endures today.

Over the decades, Australia has welcomed one million refugees and other humanitarian entrants. This is a truly historic achievement – it is a testament to the enduring generosity, compassion and openness of the Australian people.

In addition to welcoming refugees through its annual Humanitarian Program of 20,000 places, Australia continues to stand alongside refugee communities globally through sustained financial contributions and strong policy and diplomatic engagement, including its leadership under the Global Compact on Refugees and its commitments through Global Refugee Forum pledges.

At a time when global displacement is reaching unprecedented levels, this support plays a critical role in protecting those forced to flee and advancing durable solutions.

Protecting, assisting, and upholding the rights and dignity of people forced to flee is a shared responsibility. It is a collective effort that calls for ongoing solidarity and meaningful international cooperation.

In this regard, Australia’s continued commitment remains both vital and impactful.

We very much hope that this will continue, and indeed increase, in the years to come.

And we see the impact of this generosity in the countless lives, dreams, and futures of the refugees who have come to this country.

We see many powerful examples of refugees contributing to this country on prominent global and public stages. Yet across Australia every day, people from refugee backgrounds are also making valuable contributions in classrooms, workplaces, businesses, and communities—enriching the nation in ways both visible and unseen.

One study has found that in New South Wales, $2.36 of economic benefit is generated for every $1 of spending on services for people on humanitarian visas.

Evidence continues to show that when refugees are given the chance to rebuild their lives, they give back many times over.

I am also grateful for the dedication of our other partners: NGOs and community organizations, donors and supporters, advocates, humanitarian workers, refugee-led organisations and local communities.

Your commitment, particularly in times of uncertainty and constraint, reflects the very best of human solidarity.

Thank you.