Celebrated on 20 June, the day was set aside by the United Nations to honour refugees around the world.
World Refugee Day celebrates the strength and courage of people forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. According to the United Nations observing this day “shines a light on the rights, needs, and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilize political will and resources so refugees can not only survive but also thrive”.
In 2024, this celebration focuses on “Solidarity with refugees – for a world where refugees are welcomed”. Solidarity means keeping our doors open and promoting reflection on the achievements of refugees in the face of the challenges they have to overcome.
“On World Refugee Day, we want to reaffirm our commitment to inclusion, diversity, and support for the refugee populations. NOVA University Lisbon is and will always be a safe space for welcoming and providing opportunities, where every person, regardless of their origin and circumstances, can find a place to grow and fulfill their personal, academic, and professional aspirations”, affirms João Sàágua, Rector of NOVA.
On 21 June you will have the opportunity to attend two events promoting the debate on the EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum adopted in 2024 by the Council of the European Union: In the morning, NOVA Refugee and Migration Clinic organizes at NOVA School of Law, Campus of Campolide, the roundtable “The New Pact on Migration and Asylum: challenges and opportunities” Programme and registration here.
In the afternoon, NOVA Asylum Policy Lab organizes at NOVA-FCSH, Campus of Av. de Berna, the conference “Reflections on the EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum” with the participation of the Deputy Minister for the Presidency of the XXIV Constitutional Government, Rui Armindo Freitas, representatives from the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum, Civil Society Organizations, researchers and journalists. Programme and registration here.
NOVA University Lisbon, through its Knowledge Centres specialised in migration and asylum law, the NOVA Asylum Policy Lab at NOVA FCSH, and the NOVA Refugee and Migration Clinic at NOVA School of Law, is constantly developing research in this area, monitoring legal responses and making recommendations to promote the rights of applicants and beneficiaries of international protection in Portugal. Also noteworthy are some exceptional measures developed to support students in humanitarian emergencies, such as the creation of the NOVA FOR UKRAINE page or the support for Afghan women students prevented from accessing higher education in their country.