UNHCR, the Kurdistan Regional Government and Barzani Charity Foundation commemorate World Refugee Day in Erbil

Erbil, 20 June 2026 – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, together with the Kurdistan Regional Government and Barzani Charity Foundation, today commemorated World Refugee Day in Erbil, reaffirming the importance of protecting people forced to flee and upholding the right to seek safety.

Held at the Department of Foreign Relations in Erbil, the commemoration brought together more than 200 participants, including refugees and asylum seekers, Government representatives, members of the diplomatic community, United Nations agencies, international and national non-governmental organizations.

This year’s World Refugee Day holds particular significance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, the cornerstone of international refugee protection. Adopted 75 years ago, the Convention is based on a simple but powerful, universal principle: the right to seek safety extends to us all. This year’s World Refugee Day theme of “Until Everyone Is Safe,” consequently serves as both an expression of solidarity and a call for renewed commitment to refugee protection, inclusion and solutions.

The event held in Erbil featured refugees and asylum-seekers who shared their talents and personal stories of resilience, underscoring the importance of solidarity and inclusion in enabling communities to thrive. The right to seek safety is a lifeline that goes beyond merely escaping war or violence, it also encompasses supporting opportunities for refugees including access to jobs, education and healthcare – enabling refugees to move beyond survival and rebuild their lives in dignity.

In his remarks, H.E. Rebar Ahmed, Minister of Interior of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, stated: “The Kurdistan Regional Government reaffirms its steadfast commitment to protecting and supporting all refugees who have sought safety in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The institutions of the Kurdistan Regional Government will continue to provide essential services and work to maintain a peaceful and stable environment for forcibly displaced populations.”

“This World Refugee Day is a reminder that refugees are not defined by displacement alone. They are individuals with skills, talents and aspirations who contribute meaningfully to the communities that welcome them. Standing with refugees means defending their rights, supporting their inclusion within local host communities and their access to basic services; and ensuring that safety remains a reality for all,” said Toby Harward, UNHCR Representative to Iraq.

Iraq hosts over 350,000 refugees and asylum-seekers, pursuing a policy of inclusion of refugees and asylum-seekers in national services. This notwithstanding, the country still faces protracted humanitarian and development needs. In this context, World Refugee Day offers an opportunity to recognize the resilience of refugees, the generosity of host communities, and the importance of sustained support from authorities, humanitarian partners and the international community.