World Refugee Day

Refugees have done more for my heart and my spirit than I can ever express in words. They've changed my life with their friendship, love, courage and loyalty - Angelina Jolie, Goodwill Ambassador, UNHCR

Refugees are people forced to flee from their countries as a result of true life-threatening dangers. From the heart I hope that these -- our brothers and sisters so tried by suffering -- are guaranteed asylum and the recognition of their rights - Pope Benedict XVI

As a country that has seen so many refugees contribute so much to our society, this day has special meaning for Americans. I am proud that we are the largest donor to the UNHCR - US President George W. Bush statement on WRD 2002

Facing deportation from Croatia back to Bosnia because I did not have a valid visa, I registered with UNHCR and received refugee status. At the time I was eight months pregnant, my country Bosnia was still at war and it would have been devastating if I was sent back. UNHCR saved me from deportation until I could get a visa to Australia. - Mirzeta Trnka, former refugee from Bosnia

Refugees show incredible courage and perseverance in overcoming enormous odds to rebuild their lives. Ensuring that they get the protection they deserve is a noble cause because refugee rights are human rights - and rights that belong to us all. - Antonio Guterres, UNHCR High Commissioner

One of the greatest protections we can offer an individual is economic security. We are proud to work with UNHCR to protect the basic human right to access job training and meaningful work at fair wages. - David Arkless, Manpower Inc. Senior Vice President of Global Corporate Affairs

I want to tell about refugee issues especially to the young. They shape opinions in their own environment and within their families - Barbara Hendricks, Opera singer and Goodwill Ambassador, UNHCR

"Having three meals a day, drinking clean water, a chance to attend school and and to go to hospital when I'm sick... to have permanent shelter over my head and to sleep well without the sound of gunshots or bombs. That is what protection means to me." - David Vincent, a former Sudanese refugee who is a member of the UNHCR Speakers Bureau in Australia

I'm on my way to Burundi today from Baltimore...to Newark...to London...to Nairobi...to Bujumbura.