Each year on 20 June, we celebrate World Refugee Day to highlight the experiences, challenges, and successes of refugees living in British Columbia and worldwide. In 2025, this day carries fresh urgency.
Today, more than 122 million people are forcibly displaced worldwide – a record high. At the same time, humanitarian aid is shrinking globally, and countries are tightening access to protection for refugees.
Considering these trends, Canada is responsible for upholding its commitment to refugee protection and integration.
Canada has long been viewed as a global leader in refugee resettlement, but recent policy shifts show the complex balance between humanitarian commitments and system sustainability.
“Through our refugee services, we support over 7,000 refugees each year”
How does ISSofBC support refugees in British Columbia?
Through our refugee services, we support over 7,000 refugees each year, which gives us a deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs refugees experience along their settlement journey in Canada.
We offer more than 25 programs to support newcomers learn about life in Canada, access public services, find housing, learn English, and find work. We also have specialized programs to support refugee women, youth, and seniors, as well as refugees who have suffered additional trauma, such as persecution for being LGBTQ+ or disabled.
We also work closely with the BC Refugee Hub, which provides regular training and webinars for settlement-sector professionals to keep them updated on the latest policy changes and trends in refugee dynamics in Canada.
What can you do this World Refugee Day?
There are many ways to get involved, support humanitarian aid, and show solidarity with refugees.
Donate
Your donations help to enhance our programs and the opportunities available to our clients.
There are many ways to donate, such as through our Bursary program or Canada Helps donation page.
Volunteer
We are always looking for new volunteers who can commit their time to supporting all parts of our work, from attending community events to helping with translations, facilitating our ever-popular English Conversation Circles, and even mentoring newly arrived immigrants and refugees so they can better learn about life in British Columbia.
Educate yourself
Several severe humanitarian crises around the world are currently displacing people and creating the largest refugee crisis since World War II.
Thankfully, many organizations beyond ISSofBC are working to address the humanitarian needs of those displaced. If you want to support refugees, take the time to learn about other organizations in this sector and educate yourself on the dynamics of the various conflicts displacing millions worldwide.
Some leading organizations include the International Crisis Group, the International Rescue Committee, the UNHCR, and the Canadian Council for Refugees.
And if you’re travelling through Vancouver, you may notice that the BC Convention Centre and Science World will be lit up in blue to recognise World Refugee Day!
