World Refugee Day, honoring resilience, courage of refugees

The Times Kuwait Report

Ahead of World Refugee Day on 20 June, The Times Kuwait spoke to Nisreen Rubaian, Representative of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in Kuwait about the significance of the day, the role of UNHCR in supporting displaced people worldwide, and Kuwait’s continuing humanitarian commitment to supporting refugees and people in need everywhere.

We began by asking about World Refugee Day and the theme selected to mark the day this year. “World Refugee Day is marked every year on June 20. to honor the strength, resilience, and courage of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution. It is a day for the world to reflect on the plight of refugees and show solidarity not just through words, but through meaningful action.

“World Refugee Day 2025 is being observed under the theme ‘Solidarity with Refugees,’ which reaffirms a simple but powerful message: refugees are not alone. At UNHCR, this theme means going beyond words. It means listening to the stories of displaced people, standing up for their rights, and taking tangible actions to help them rebuild their lives with dignity.

“Solidarity in practice is seen when a community offers a refugee a job, when a child gains access to education, or when policies are designed to protect rather than penalize those who have been forced to flee. It is about building societies where refugees are welcomed, included, and empowered. When given the opportunity, they become active and valuable contributors to their new communities.

“According to the Global Trends Report 2024, by the end of 2023 there were 120 million people forcibly displaced worldwide. This includes over 43.4 million refugees, 68.3 million internally displaced persons, and 6.9 million asylum seekers.

Around 75 percent of the world’s refugees are hosted in low- and middle-income countries, which highlights the need for greater international responsibility sharing.

“At a time when forced displacement has reached record levels and humanitarian funding is decreasing, solidarity has never been more important. Refugees do not need charity; they need opportunity. And, UNHCR remains fully committed to staying and delivering support, together with our partners, regardless of the challenges ahead.”

Elaborating on Kuwait’s contributions to refugees, Rubaian noted, “Kuwait has long played a distinguished and consistent humanitarian role on the global stage. Its contributions to supporting refugees and displaced persons reflect a deep-rooted commitment to humanitarian values, led by both government institutions and charitable organizations.

“Over the years, Kuwait has provided vital assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons in crisis-affected countries such as Yemen, Syria, Jordan, and Bangladesh. Through key partners such as the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, Zakat House, Tanmeya, and Namaa Charity, Kuwait has helped deliver shelter, healthcare, education, and livelihood support to some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

“Since 2016, the partnership between UNHCR and the Kuwait Fund alone has benefited over 700,000 refugees and internally displaced persons. This reflects not only the scale but also the sustainability of Kuwait’s support. In parallel, Kuwait’s growing leadership in Islamic philanthropy has enabled impactful contributions through zakat and sadaqah, offering a faith-based model for humanitarian assistance that reaches those most in need.

“Most recently, Kuwait reaffirmed its commitment by participating in the first-ever Strategic Dialogue with UNHCR, held in Geneva. The high-level delegation was led by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, alongside senior representatives from the Kuwait Fund. During the dialogue, both parties discussed pressing humanitarian developments, explored mechanisms to strengthen fundraising and resource mobilization, and identified new opportunities to enhance visibility and coordination.

“This strategic engagement reflects Kuwait’s dedication to long-term humanitarian partnerships and its evolving role as a trusted and proactive global actor in the field of refugee protection. Through sustained support, diplomatic leadership, and a spirit of solidarity, Kuwait continues to stand firmly alongside displaced communities around the world.”

Asked about special activities planned for this year to commemorate World Refugee Day, the #UNHCR representative stated, “This year, we are commemorating World Refugee Day in Kuwait through a diverse set of media, advocacy, and partnership-driven activities, all under the global theme of solidarity with refugees. The week of 20–26 June has been designated as a media exposure week, during which we are rolling out daily content and coverage across multiple platforms.

This includes a series of editorial and strategic media engagements to spotlight key refugee issues and Kuwait’s role in addressing them.

“From a partnership perspective, we will be announcing the signature of a new agreement with Namaa Charity on 25 June, reaffirming Kuwait’s position as a vital partner in humanitarian and philanthropic efforts. Additionally, in collaboration with the private sector, UNHCR and Argana Group will co-host a special World Refugee Day event at the Mövenpick Hotel on 24 June, emphasizing solidarity through corporate engagement and community outreach. Together, these efforts aim to amplify refugee voices, celebrate strategic partnerships, and elevate public awareness across Kuwait.”

Turning to how ordinary people can lend support to refugees, Ms. Rubaian noted, “There are many ways people in Kuwait and around the world can support refugees. It begins with listening to their stories, understanding their experiences, and sharing their voices with others. Awareness is the first step toward solidarity.

People can also contribute by donating to UNHCR. These donations help provide essential services like shelter, healthcare, food, and education. Even a small contribution can have a big impact.

“Another way to help is by purchasing the ‘With Refugees’ bracelet, which is handmade by refugees. It is a meaningful way to show support while also helping them earn a living. Support can also take the form of inclusion. Welcoming refugees into our communities, offering job opportunities, or simply showing kindness can go a long way. Most importantly, it is about standing with refugees, not only during emergencies, but also as they rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
Every small gesture matters.”

With tens of millions of people displaced worldwide the only lasting solution to this global challenge is to find peace, said the UNHCR chief in Kuwait. “The ultimate solution is peace. No one chooses to become a refugee; people flee because it’s their only means to survive.

While we advocate for conflict resolution, we also need greater international responsibility sharing; support for host communities; and long-term solutions like resettlement, local integration, and safe returns when possible. Solidarity means not just giving refuge but offering dignity, opportunity, and hope.

Asked about countries slashing funding for UNHCR operations, amid a growing number of people in need, the UN representative said, “It’s a real challenge. While displacement is at record highs, funding is shrinking. We rely heavily on the generosity of governments, private donors, individuals, and Islamic philanthropy.

Kuwait’s contributions especially through zakat and sadaqah have been instrumental in filling funding gaps. Still, we need more predictable and flexible funding to respond effectively and sustainably.”

Explaining her role at UNHCR in helping refugees around the world, Ms.Rubaian stated: “As the UNHCR Representative in Kuwait, my role is to strengthen partnerships with the Government of Kuwait and Kuwaiti donors; ensure that Kuwait’s contributions reach the most vulnerable refugees worldwide; and advocate for policy, awareness, and inclusion. also lead on strategic communication and visibility to ensure the stories and needs of refugees are heard.

We invite everyone to join us online using the global hashtag: #WithRefugees. The hashtag is more than a digital symbol, it is a call to action and a message of unity.

The UNHCR was founded in 1950, in the aftermath of the Second World War, to help millions of people who had lost their homes. Today, the agency continues to save lives, protect rights and help build a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution.

It is indeed concerning that as the world marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of World Refugee Day, and the 75th anniversary of the founding of the UNHCR, the number of refugees worldwide is untenably high, even as funding for UNHCR work declines.

While the number of forcibly displaced people has almost doubled in the last decade, funding for UNHCR now stands at roughly the same level as in 2015. Support for displaced people is more than an obligation or charity, it is a moral and ethical responsibility of one human being to another.

Now more than ever, as individuals, as a society, as a global community, we have a responsibility to ensure that underfunding does not undermine the successful 75-year mandate of the UNHCR to safeguard the rights and lives of displaced people worldwide.