World Refugee Day 2026 Report

The former National Stadium (Kunitachi, Tokyo) lit up in UNHCR Blue on June 20, "World Refugee Day" © UNHCR Japan

June 20th is "World Refugee Day." It is a day to raise awareness about the protection and support of refugees and to deepen understanding of refugee support activities taking place around the world.

This year, in conjunction with World Refugee Day, UNHCR's annual statistical report, "Global Trends Report 2025," was released. Although the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide has decreased for the first time in 10 years, it remains at a high level, approaching the population of Japan. Returns to countries such as Syria, Sudan, and Afghanistan are gradually progressing, but many of these individuals are forced to return and are in extremely vulnerable situations.

"We cannot accept a future where many refugees are forced to live in displacement for years, or even decades, without a realistic prospect of rebuilding their lives," said High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, who took office as the head of UNHCR in January this year, emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where refugees can live with hope for the future (Press release here).

This year's global theme is "Until Everyone is Safe." To protect the lives and dignity of people displaced from their homes around the world, support for rebuilding their lives is essential, including legal assistance, safe housing, access to healthcare and education, and the right to work. There is something each of us can do to protect the safety of the most vulnerable people. With this in mind, various initiatives were carried out around the world and in Japan. Here are some of them.

▶ World Refugee Day 2026 Special Website

World Refugee Day Blue Lighting This initiative, sending thoughts from Japan to people displaced from their homes around the world by illuminating landmarks in UNHCR Blue, entered its 8th year. This year, the circle of blue support expanded with the cooperation of a total of 68 locations, from Hokkaido in the north to Kumamoto in the south.

UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador MIYAVI

June 20th also began this year with a video message from UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador MIYAVI. MIYAVI, who will mark his 10th anniversary as a Goodwill Ambassador next year, conveyed the plight of people living without losing hope despite being displaced and facing an uncertain future, as well as the serious impact of declining global support on their lives, and called for individual action.

In addition, as part of the "What If I Were You" campaign for the "World Refugee Day 2026 Campaign" by the UNHCR Association of Japan, an online report session about his visit to Jordan in May was held. MIYAVI shared what he saw, heard, and felt on the ground about the lives, thoughts, and hopes for the future of individual refugees, along with creative director Aisako Tsuji, who visited a refugee camp in Bangladesh in 2022 (Archive here).

UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador MIYAVI's Jordan report session held on World Refugee Day, June 20 © UNHCR Japan/Japan for UNHCR

Stories of Refugees Exhibition

The "Stories of Refugees Exhibition," organized by the UNHCR Representation in Japan, was also held in various locations across Japan to coincide with World Refugee Day. The exhibition, which conveys the lives of individual refugees, the background of their displacement, and their hopes for the future, was held at venues such as Book House Cafe in Jinbocho, Tokyo, Harumi Library in Chuo Ward, the Canadian Embassy, as well as libraries and schools in various regions, providing many people with an opportunity to encounter the stories of those displaced from their homes.

Storytelling session held as part of the "Stories of Refugees Exhibition" © UNHCR Japan

2nd Yokohama Peace Circle

In Yokohama City, the "2nd Yokohama Peace Circle" was held, where young people, mainly high school and university students, deepened their understanding of the challenges faced by people displaced by conflict and persecution, and their backgrounds. Scholars from the UNHCR Refugee Higher Education Program (RHEP) also participated in the circle, sharing their experiences, lives in Japan, and aspirations for the future. Participants transcended borders and languages, listening intently to each individual's story and deepening their understanding through dialogue. Yokohama City is also a signatory city to the "Network of Municipalities Supporting Refugees."

Fast Retailing

From June 19th to 30th, Fast Retailing, a global partner of UNHCR, held the "UNIQLO FLOWER × World Refugee Day Charity Campaign." During this period, a portion of the sales from flower purchases at UNIQLO stores nationwide was used to support people living in refugee camps in Bangladesh through UNHCR.

On June 18th, the day before the campaign began, a press conference was held where Fast Retailing and UNHCR shared their commitment to continue initiatives as a private company, marking the 20th anniversary of their global partnership.

The venue also showcased various refugee support initiatives, including new items from the "PEACE FOR ALL" charity T-shirt project, a collaboration between UNIQLO and UNHCR, and the Japanese premiere of support works by the "Refugee Film Fund."

This year, on the occasion of World Refugee Day, many people, companies, local governments, and educational institutions across Japan gave form to their support for refugees from their respective positions.

People displaced from their homes around the world continue to face severe challenges. The actions and solidarity of each individual lead to a future for those displaced from their homes. UNHCR will continue to work together towards the realization of a society where all people can live in safety and dignity.