World Refugee Day

World Refugee Day, observed annually on 20 June, calls us to stand with people forced to flee their homes. For the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), this day carries deep significance: the communion was founded in the aftermath of World War II, when one in six Lutherans was a refugee.

More than seven decades since its foundation in 1952, LWF continues to accompany refugees, internally displaced persons, returnees, host communities, and others at risk, staying true to its original calling.

Children demonstrate hand washing at Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya. The LWF is the main implementer of education in the camp, and awareness-raising on hygiene is part of that work. The LWF has reinforced hygiene education to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the camp. Photo: LWF/P. Omagwa

World Refugee Day: Celebrating the gifts of refugees

“Promoting inclusion, as we work with marginalized communities”

News

17 Jun 2021

In this Voices from the Communion, Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria talks about the global refugee crisis, a protestant search-and-rescue mission and the biblical roots of welcoming the stranger.

Germany: Advocate for the rights of refugees

Voices from the Communion: Bishop Heinrich Bedford-Strohm

News

19 Jun 2020

A group of Oromo internally displaced people (IDP) move through the Burka Dare IDP site in Ethiopia. Photo: LWF/ Albin Hillert

World Refugee Day: Every Action Counts

Lutheran church leaders advocate for the protection of displaced people

News

18 Jun 2020

Two young men construct a house in the Beldangi Refugee Camp in southeast Nepal. Photo: LWF/Albin Hillert

Taking leadership #WithRefugees

Churches engage in service, support empowerment

News

20 Jun 2019

Community members meet under a big mango tree, pealing peanuts together. Photo: LWF/Central African Republic

Empowering displaced communities in Central African Republic

‘More positive examples needed from the CAR’, says LWF team leader

News

20 Jun 2017

Bishop Dr Tamas Fabiny, Northern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hungary sits with displaced people in northern Iraq. Photo: ELCH Northern Diocese

World Refugee Day: Extend the hand of welcome

Statement by LWF President Musa and General Secretary Junge

News

20 Jun 2017

Syrian refugee children at a fence facing the Aegean Sea coast, Greece. Photo: ACT/ Paul Jeffrey

Welcoming refugees: an opportunity to grow together

LWF joins faith-based organizations calling for solidarity with forcibly displaced people

News

20 Jun 2017

Photo: LWF/Marko Schoeneberg

Global Lutheran leaders sign UN refugee agency petition

LWF stands with 60 million displaced people on World Refugee Day

News

20 Jun 2016

Maria. Photo: LWF/C. KÃ¤stner

Displaced by violence

(LWI) – “We live as if in a prison,” Maria (not he real name) says. “We cannot go outside, and even in our homes we are not safe.

News

20 Jun 2016