World Refugee Day in Ukraine: Hope Away from Home for Millions of Ukrainians

The World Refugee Day, observed globally on 20 June, was commemorated in Ukraine through more than 30 events organized by UNHCR and its NGO partners. Ranging from information sessions to open-air gatherings and photo installations, the events shed light on the unwavering courage and resilience of those forced to flee their homes due to the full-scale war on Ukraine and showcased initiatives dedicated to supporting war-affected communities to feel hope again.
The theme chosen globally by UNHCR for this year’s World Refugee Day is "Hope Away from Home. A world where refugees and IDPs are always included.” Through this theme, UNHCR emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnerships in providing internally displaced people and refugees with platforms to participate and contribute to their communities and increase their inclusion and opportunities while they are away from home.
According to UNHCR’s flagship annual report, Global Trends in Forced Displacement 2022, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine significantly contributed to the number of refugees and internally displaced people worldwide, reaching a record-breaking 110 million globally. Some 11.3 million Ukrainians are currently displaced, including 5 million within the country and 6.3 million abroad.
KYIV
In Kyiv, a UNHCR-led event brought together some ninety participants representing national, regional and local authorities, international partners, and civil society and community-based organizations championing initiatives that support “inclusion for solutions” and provided a platform to discuss and share best practices for ensuring the active participation and contribution of displaced and war-affected people in formulating ideas and solutions that enable them to recover and rebuild their lives with a strong sense of hope for the future.
During the event UNHCR Representative in Ukraine, Karolina Lindholm Billing noted that Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes due to Russia’s invasion express a strong hope and desire to return to their homes, when they feel it is safe to do so. “At the same time, displaced Ukrainians also express a strong wish to recover from the trauma, find housing, a job, and to socially integrate in the communities where they currently live, and not stay idle with their lives on hold. The distinguished speakers at this event have a lot of experience in supporting displaced people, of all ages and abilities and disabilities, to be fully included and contribute to their new communities, and to feel Hope while away from Home,” Ms. Lindholm Billing added.
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Journeying from a single suitcase to full integration within their host community – the challenging road of refugees and internally displaced people took center stage in a captivating installation in the iconic Sofiivska Square in Kyiv. The exhibition, organized by UNHCR’s NGO partner Rokada, showcased 25 photo boards, each telling the stories of strength and resilience of forcibly displaced people. From Kyiv, the installation will travel across various cities in Ukraine, spreading its impactful message far and wide.
LVIV
In collaboration with the Lviv city council and the Office of Children Services, UNHCR and its NGO partner Rokada inaugurated a photo installation in the heart of the city. The exhibition showcased five families who were forced to flee their homes due to the war and found refuge in Lviv where they started a new life with support from local authorities and humanitarian partners. During the opening ceremony, the Deputy Mayor of Lviv stressed that integrating internally displaced people, who have found protection and a new home in the oblast, into their host communities remains a key priority.
CHERNIVTSI
In a dedicated event at the Regional Museum of Folk Architecture and Life in Chernivtsi, organized by the Department of Social Protection of the Chernivtsi City Council, UNHCR, and its local partners including NEEKA, the Right to Protection, Crimea SOS, and other humanitarian actors, approximately 1,000 people from displaced and host communities came together to mark the World Refugee Day. The event offered a wide array of activities, including workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions, creative activities for children and fairs showcasing products from relocated businesses. Aliona Atamaniuk, the First Deputy Governor of Chernivtsi Oblast, expressed gratitude to UNHCR for the unwavering support to both displaced and war-affected people, as well as the host communities.
KHMELNYTSKYI
In Khmelnytskyi, UNHCR and its local partners Rokada, the Right to Protection, Crimea SOS, Stabilization Support Services and Medair held an event where attendees could join workshops and information sessions about protection, legal and psychosocial support offered by UNHCR. The participants were also encouraged to share their reflections on factors that bring them hope for the future.
VINNYTSIA
 
In Vinnytska oblast, UNHCR’s local NGO partner, the Right to Protection, hosted an art therapy workshop called "Hugs of Support." The event focused on supporting displaced people coping with their emotions and trauma. Through creative activities and sharing valuable information on mental well-being, the aim was to provide a supportive environment where participants could find healing and solace.
KRYVYI RIH
In Kryvyi Rih, a city heavily impacted by the ongoing war and water supply disruptions following the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, UNHCR's local NGO partner, Proliska, organized a heartwarming concert at a collective site. Kryvyi Rih is currently home to over 74,000 IDPs. During the event, Proliska's team of psychologists shared information to the residents regarding available psychosocial support and emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental health and well-being.
ZAPORIZHZHIA
In collaboration with the local NGO partner Proliska, UNHCR organized an art therapy session titled "Visualization of Life After War." Held at a collective site that has sheltered numerous war-displaced individuals, the session provided a safe space to explore healing and envision a brighter future.

KOLOMYIA
UNHCR's local partner NEEKA organized a thematic art therapy session titled "When You Open the Door of Your House, You Open Your Heart" for children and adults. Participants created an improvised map of Ukraine, using colourful threads to mark their journeys from hometowns to host communities, fostering a sense of connection and shared experiences.
IVANO-FRANKIVSK
World Refugee Day was marked with the exhibition “Hope Away From Home” celebrating the resilience of displaced people and bringing attention to their challenges and success. Creative workshops and fairs of goods were also organized providing the participants with an opportunity to showcase their talents and learn new skills.
UZHHOROD
In Uzhhorod, UNHCR and its NGO partner NEEMIA organized a tree-planting ceremony to mark World Refugee Day. A total of 26 trees were planted, representing appreciation for all 24 oblasts in Ukraine, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, as well as the international community, for their unwavering assistance and support towards Ukrainians displaced by the full-scale invasion.