World Refugee Day 2026: UNHCR Appreciates Indonesia’s Longstanding Commitment to Protecting Refuges, Calls for Continued Solidarity ‘Until Everyone is Safe’

Jakarta, 20 June 2026 – After arriving in Indonesia several years ago, Ahmed* believed his future had been put on hold. Forced to flee conflict in Somalia, he spent years waiting for what would come next. Uprooted by violence, Amina* on the other hand, was forced to leave behind the only life she had known, to face uncertainties in a foreign country.

Ahmed and Amina are among 12,000 refugees and asylum-seekers who seek protection Indonesia. They are coming from over 50 countries, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Palestine, and others.

"Indonesia's longstanding humanitarian commitment has provided safety and hope to people forced to flee, while also showing the importance of shared responsibility." said Mr. Hendrik Therik, spokesperson for UNHCR in Indonesia. "This solidarity demonstrates that protection is possible through collaboration, compassion, and practical action,"

As the world marks World Refugee Day 2026, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is drawing attention to the growing challenge of protracted displacement. According to UNHCR's latest Global Trends Report, seven in ten refugees worldwide are living in situations of long-term displacement, often spending years away from home while waiting for durable solutions.

For many, displacement begins as a lifeline but lasts a lifetime. Low- and middle-income countries continue to host 68 per cent of refugees and other people in need of international protection.

Humanitarian aid saves lives but does not enable refugees to become active agents in control of their future.

Also in Indonesia, many refugees have lived here for years, and some for more than a decade, while waiting for durable solutions.

"For refugees, years of waiting can mean missed opportunities. Hopelessness and despondency set in. But when given opportunities to use their skills, pursue education, volunteer and participate in society, everyone benefits," said Emily Bojovic, UNHCR Indonesia’s Senior Protection Officer.

Ahmed has built a refugee-led community organization, helping refugees navigate life in Indonesia and supporting refugee children with informal learning activities. Amina, originally from Afghanistan, is not only a mother and a wife, but also a karate coach who helps others in her community develop confidence and resilience.

These refugee-led organizations provide informal education programmes, skills training, peer support, sports activities, and community initiatives that strengthen resilience and social cohesion.

"At UNHCR we see how transformative it can be when refugees can realize their potential and contribute to their community." added Ms. Bojovic

While those such as Ahmed and Amina thrive, many vulnerable refugees still struggle to lift themselves from survival to resilience. Displacement may interrupt lives, but it does not have to diminish the ability to learn, lead, and support one another. Given safety, empathy and support, refugees give back to, build connections with, and strengthen the communities around them.

World Refugee Day has been a time to honour the courage and dignity of refugees as well as the generosity of those who stand with them. This year’s commemoration is one of special significance as it falls in the 75th year of the 1951 Convention.

"Seventy-five years ago, from the ashes of the Second World War, the world made a fundamental promise: anyone forced to flee war, conflict or persecution has the right to find safety and protection," said UNHCR High Commissioner Barham Salih. “That promise was universal and designed to endure. It was built for our grandparents, for us, and for all generations to come.”

For nearly 42 million refugees in the world, they did not leave their homes by choice.

At a time when the right to seek asylum is under growing pressure in many parts of the world, UNHCR is grateful to Indonesia for keeping the promise of safety.

“For the thousands of refugees who have sought asylum over many decades, Indonesia has been and remains a beacon of humanity.” said Mr. Therik.

World Refugee Day 2026: One Goal – Safety for All

To commemorate World Refugee Day 2026, UNHCR is partnering with Indonesian civil society organizations including Refu+ure Indonesia, Jesuit Refugee Service Indonesia, Yayasan Cita Wadah Swadaya, Bridges for Hope, Islamic Relief Indonesia, several refugee-led organizations, communities, and refugee artists through a joint public event under the theme "One Goal: Safety for All" in Oesman Effendi Gallery, Taman Ismail Marzuki, on 20 June 2026.

The initiative will feature art exhibitions, refugee performances, a bazaar, discussions, interactive activities and opportunities for the public to meet refugees directly and learn about their experiences. Beyond raising awareness, the event seeks to foster meaningful connections between refugees and local communities.

Many refugees describe the greatest challenge not only as uncertainty about the future, but also isolation from everyday life. Through conversations, shared activities, and cultural exchange, the event aims to create spaces where people can have conversations and meet one another not as ‘labels’, but as human beings.

As a refugee shared, “As refugees, our isolation is broken when locals (Indonesian people) smile at us and invite us to share in the simple details of daily life. Sit with us. Taste our food. Hear our stories directly. Join us in a football match."

The message reflects the spirit of this year's campaign: that inclusion begins when people come together, until everyone is safe.

As displacement worldwide becomes increasingly prolonged, UNHCR stresses that humanitarian assistance alone cannot address all challenges facing refugees. Expanding opportunities for education, skills development, social participation, and self-reliance remains essential for enabling refugees to live with dignity while preparing for durable solutions.

World Refugee Day serves as a reminder that safety is more than the absence of danger. It is the opportunity to belong, participate, and contribute. UNHCR calls on governments, civil society, private sector partners, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, media, journalists, and communities to continue working together toward a future where everyone can live safely and realize their potential, regardless of their status and background.

ENDS.

About UNHCR

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We lead international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities and people without a nationality. We deliver life-saving assistance such as shelter, food and water, help safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. We also work to ensure that stateless people are granted nationality. We are in over 122 countries, using our expertise to protect and care for millions.