On 20 June, we mark World Refugee Day, the international day dedicated to refugees around the world. First held in 2001, the day commemorates the 50th anniversary of the 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and draws attention to the plight of millions of refugees and displaced people worldwide, while reaffirming the international obligations to protect their rights. 75 years after the adoption of the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, protecting the rights of people forced to flee remains as important as ever.
Young refugees and asylum seekers are among the most vulnerable groups often arriving unaccompanied, separated from their families. Several youth organisations supported by the EYF in 2026 are focusing on their inclusion and well-being, by training youth workers, building capacities to deliver advocacy and campaigning actions and combating discrimination and xenophobia.
“Ethos not pathos: enhancing young refugees' and asylum seekers' well-being, inclusion and resilience”, implemented by UNITED for Intercultural Action, supports refugees and asylum seekers through mental health, psychosocial support and community-building approaches. The project trains youth workers and other professionals to provide support to young refugees and develops practical resources to facilitate access to information and services at national level.
“Voices of resilience: student activism for a global future”, implemented by the Organising Bureau of European School Student Unions (OBESSU), supports Ukrainian students and promotes student activism in times of war. Through training activities and a study visit, participants strengthen their skills trauma-informed methodology, advocacy and campaigning and develop resources to support refugee inclusion in education systems across Europe.
“ACTIVATE – advocacy, campaigning, and training for inclusive youth participation”, implemented by VOICIFY European Forum for Youth with Lived Migration Experiences, empowers representatives of organisations led by young refugees, migrants, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants to strengthen their advocacy and leadership skills. Through online and in-person training activities, participants strengthen their leadership, advocacy and community organising capacities and acquire tools to transfer these skills within their organisations and local communities.
“Minorities at danger, time for youth activism!”, implemented by the International Federation of Liberal Youth (IFLRY), addresses discrimination and exclusion affecting minorities, including refugees. Participants explore the causes and consequences of xenophobia and anti-rights movements, develop strategies to challenge discriminatory narratives and build cooperation networks promoting human rights and inclusion.
In 2019, the Council of Europe adopted a Recommendation on supporting young refugees in transition to adulthood. It highlights the need for additional temporary support after the age of 18 to promote and enable access to rights, and recognises the role of youth work in promoting social cohesion and inclusion.