The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has launched a global campaign urging governments, organizations and individuals to renew their commitment to protecting people forced to flee war, violence and persecution, according to a press release. Marking the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, the initiative — called The Promise — was unveiled on 27 July 2026. It arrives as more than 41 million refugees remain displaced worldwide. Ongoing conflicts continue to uproot families and place growing pressure on asylum systems. Hosting countries face mounting strain as they receive those seeking safety.
Adopted in 1951 in the aftermath of the Second World War, the Refugee Convention established the legal foundation for protecting refugees. It enshrined the principle that people fleeing persecution should not be returned to danger. UNHCR said its principles remain as vital today as record levels of displacement strain humanitarian systems across the globe. The campaign coincides with heightened global pressures on refugee protection frameworks. It seeks to reaffirm the enduring relevance of the Convention.
Led by UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih, the initiative aims to build a broad coalition in support of refugee protection ahead of the Global Refugee Forum in 2027. The forum will bring together voices from across civil society to reaffirm the right to seek asylum and rebuild lives after conflict and persecution. Among the first 75 signatories are actor-humanitarians Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett and Ben Stiller, along with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai. Refugee leaders, business figures, faith leaders and human rights advocates have also joined the initiative. Together, the signatories are calling for a world where people forced to flee can seek safety.
The campaign urges that refugees be welcomed into communities and that governments act early to support host countries and pursue lasting solutions to displacement.
“Seventy-five years ago, the world made a promise to protect people forced to flee,” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih. “Our responsibility now is to keep that promise alive, for all generations to come.” UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that keeping that promise alive requires sustained international solidarity. “It requires genuine international cooperation and responsibility-sharing, including supporting the countries and communities – many with limited resources – that host the largest numbers of refugees,” he said.
UNHCR outlined key priorities to advance the goals of The Promise, including:
- Supporting host countries and communities
- Expanding opportunities for refugees
- Creating conditions for voluntary return and other lasting solutions
“We must support host countries and communities, expand opportunities for refugees, and create the conditions for voluntary return and other lasting solutions,” said Ms. Salih.
The agency hopes the initiative will reinforce the enduring principles of the Refugee Convention at a time when millions remain displaced and humanitarian needs continue to grow. The campaign will build momentum toward the 2027 Global Refugee Forum.
