Just as we make a special effort to remember our mothers on Mother's Day, we want the world's refugees to be remembered on their special day. For years, many countries and regions have been holding their own Refugee Days and even Weeks.

On 20 June 2001, the first ever universal Refugee Day was marked.

The World Refugee Day is a salute to the indomitable spirit and courage of the world's refugees, and as such it should be a real celebration. Around the world, this day of festivity and tribute is expressed in a hundred different ways, from stand-up comics and rock concerts to conferences and memorial services. But whether it's as simple as a village fete or school event, or a high-profile ceremony, 20 June is a day in which we think about the world's refugees, and extend to them our encouragement, support and respect.