World Refugee Day 2025: An Ode to Resilience, Solidarity and Language

On June 20, 2025, we will commemorate World Refugee Day, an international day of remembrance that has honored refugees from all corners of the world every year since 2001. For us, as a language school for Dutch and Spanish, this day offers not only a moment of reflection, but also of inspiration: how language helps newcomers find a place in another country – and how their stories enrich our local communities.

What is World Refugee Day?

World Refugee Day was established in 2001 by the United Nations to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. On this day, governments, civil society organizations and citizens – from New York to Rotterdam – show their solidarity with the millions of people who have fled their countries because of war, violence or persecution [1][3].

Historical background

1. African Origin (2000): Prior to global recognition, there was already an African Refugee Day on June 20, organized by the Organization of African Unity to honor the resilience of African refugees [4].

2. UN Decision (4 December 2000): The General Assembly decided that, starting in 2001, 20 June would be observed annually as World Refugee Day [3][4].

3. First Celebration (June 20, 2001): The 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention provided a platform for refugees around the world to share their stories and rally support.

   
   

Why is this day important?

• Awareness and empathy: Through exhibitions, film screenings and testimonies, the complexity of the refugee problem becomes visible. This increases understanding and reduces prejudices.

• Political pressure and resources: World Refugee Day prompts policymakers to increase resources for shelter, education and integration programs.

• Concrete support actions: Local initiatives such as fundraising campaigns, mentoring programs and language courses strengthen the self-reliance of refugees and strengthen social support.

  
  

Theme 2025: “Solidarity with refugees”

For 2025, UNHCR has chosen the theme “Solidarity with Refugees” . Solidarity means not just words, but above all actions:

• Listening to refugees and making space for their stories.

• Stand up for their rights and advocate for solutions so that refugees are no longer dependent on emergency aid.

• Investing in their future by promoting education, employment and language learning [1][2].

  
  

The link with our language students

Language is the key to society and connection. For many refugees, learning Dutch or Spanish is:

• The key to self-reliance: Good language skills increase the chances of work, education and independent functioning in the neighborhood.

• The source of social integration: In the classroom, newcomers and fellow students find each other – isolation gives way to friendship and mutual understanding.

• Inspiring stories: The perseverance of refugees motivates all students to break through language barriers.

  
  

Together we show that language is not just words, but builds bridges between people – to give refugees a warm welcome and strengthen our communities.

References list

1. UNHCR, World Refugee Day 2025 : “Solidarity means honoring refugees not just with words but with actions…” accessed June 18, 2025, https://www.unhcr.org/events/world-refugee-day-2025

2. United Nations, World Refugee Day : “2025 Theme: Solidarity with Refugees…” accessed June 18, 2025, https://www.un.org/en/observances/refugee-day

3. Wikipedia, World Refugee Day , edited June 16, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Refugee_Day

4. National Day Calendar, World Refugee Day History , accessed June 18, 2025, https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/international/world-refugee-day-june-20