World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on 20 June and honours the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. One in every 70 people, or 1.4 per cent of the entire world’s population, is now forcibly displaced.

Key Facts and Figures from UNHCR

• • 41.6 million people worldwide are refugees
  • 5.4 million people were forced to flee and seek safety in other countries during 2025
  • 7 in 10 refuggess originate from just six countries
  • Most refugees -68 per cent- are hosted by low -and middle- income countries

The work of the Council for Migrants, Refugees, Justice and Peace

The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference’s Council for Migrants, Refugees, Justice and Peace is tasked with advocating for vulnerable groups by promoting gospel-based values aimed at building a better society.  The Council’s origins trace back to the 1960s when it emerged as part of the reorganisation following the Second Vatican Council.

Sheila Curran (NB) is a member of the Council.

In this video, Rev Dr Gary Carville, research coordinator for the Council, shares about their work and how the core of its mission statement is promoting the gospel-based values to building a better world