How to Acknowledge World Refugee Day at Work

Looking for a quick, actionable way to acknowledge World Refugee Day? This post gives you a fast, DIY DEI tip you can apply right now.

World Refugee Day, observed every year on June 20, honors the strength, resilience, and rights of people forced to flee their home countries due to conflict, persecution, or disaster. It’s a time to center refugee voices and examine how workplaces can actively support displaced people—not just globally, but locally too.

Why This Holiday Matters

World Refugee Day holds deep, layered significance. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), more than 120 million people worldwide are currently displaced, the highest number ever recorded. Refugees face unique barriers when resettling, from navigating legal systems to overcoming workplace discrimination.

For workplaces, this day is not just about awareness—it’s a reminder to shift from performative allyship to meaningful inclusion. Many refugees live and work in our communities, often without visibility or adequate support. When we build workplace cultures that actively welcome refugees, we contribute to broader systems of belonging. Let’s move from understanding to action.

One Inclusive Celebration Idea: Share Refugee-Founded Brands

One powerful way to acknowledge World Refugee Day at work is to intentionally highlight and support refugee-founded businesses and brands.

Here’s how you can apply this today:

• Curate and share a list of refugee-owned restaurants, shops, and businesses in your local area or online.
• Partner with your procurement or event teams to source from refugee-founded vendors for your next workplace meeting or employee gift.
• Feature refugee entrepreneurs or organizations in your internal newsletter or on your company’s social platforms.

This is not charity—it’s a direct way to redistribute economic opportunity and recognize the contributions refugees make every day. Showcasing refugee-founded brands moves your workplace from performative posts to economic solidarity. Let’s keep going.

Ready for More?

Would you like a more detailed celebration guide for this holiday? 👉 Join our Free Community Here 

In our community, you’ll find deeper DIY DEI guides, a full diversity calendar, and workplace-ready tools to help you sustain inclusive, impactful celebrations year‑round.

Pause & Reflect

How can your workplace build long-term support for refugees beyond a single day of recognition?