This past year, millions of people in Afghanistan and Ukraine were forced to flee their homes at a moment’s notice. Meanwhile, crises in countries like Syria, Ethiopia and Venezuela persist, resulting in a record-high 100 million people displaced globally.   

These families have had to make difficult decisions when fleeing their homes. But while they can only carry so much, refugees bring countless gifts to their new communities: hopes and dreams, experiences and talents, traditions and family stories, resilience and determination. Millions of families have had to make excruciating decisions about what to bring and what to leave behind. 

This World Refugee Day, explore five ways you can show welcome to refugees and all that they bring. Scroll down to hear the stories of families who have been forced to leave their homes. Take a quiz; watch our film, donate and sign up to learn more about our work with refugees in the UK and around the world.

1. Explore refugee stories, told in their own words

Watch as generations of refugees interview one another about their unique family stories.

2. Share our film

Help us share refugee stories far and wide. Click to tweet our film and #WelcomeRefugees this World Refugee Day-- and every day.

3. Take our quiz on refugee contributions

Beloved baked goods, a Disney heroine and world-changing creations. See what some famous refugees have brought to the world.

Which famous theory was created by a refugee who fled Nazi Germany for safety in the U.S.?
  • The Theory of Relativity
  • Quantum Theory
  • Game Theory
  • The Pythagorean Theorem
Correct Answer
Incorrect Answer

Physicist Albert Einstein published his theory of special relativity in 1905 and his theory of general relativity in 1915. Years later, in 1933, he and his wife Elsa were forced to flee Nazi Germany for safety in the U.S. Einstein’s theories revolutionized physics and transformed the way we understand space and time. Scientists have used these theories to study black holes, supernovas, changes in orbit and electromagnetic radiation. Einstein was also a humanitarian, having inspired the founding of the organization that became the International Rescue Committee. Take our quiz to learn more about famous refugees.

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