Each year on June 20, the world observes World Refugee Day, recognizing the courage and resilience of millions of people who have been forced to flee their homes because of conflict, violence, and persecution.

In 2026, more than 41 million people around the world are living as refugees. More than 19 million of them are children.

Behind every number is a person who has been forced to leave their homes. Families have left behind their livelihoods, schools, and communities, seeking safety in unfamiliar places and depending on the support of others for shelter, food, protection, and hope.

In 2025 alone, 5.4 million people were newly displaced by violence and war. Today, approximately one in every 70 people worldwide has been forcibly displaced from their home.

On World Refugee Day, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) reaffirms its commitment to serving refugees and displaced families with dignity, compassion, and practical support. While most of the world’s refugees originate from just a handful of countries, their needs extend across borders and continents. ADRA is present in many of the communities where refugees seek safety, providing emergency assistance and helping families rebuild their lives.

Since December 2025, more than 70,000 refugees have fled from the Democratic Republic of Congo into neighboring Burundi. The sudden influx has placed tremendous pressure on local resources and created an ongoing humanitarian emergency.

In response, ADRA Burundi, together with its partners, is providing life-saving food assistance, safe water, sanitation, and hygiene supplies to families in need.

Lebanon continues to host one of the highest numbers of refugees per capita in the world, including people displaced from Syria and other neighboring countries. ADRA Lebanon works tirelessly to support refugee families by providing food, water, dignity kits, shelter assistance, and other essential services.

The ADRA Learning Center in Baalbek serves more than 285 students each year, helping children affected by displacement continue their education, reduce learning gaps, and receive the care and support they need to thrive.

These are just two examples among hundreds of how ADRA serves displaced families around the world. As people of faith, we believe every refugee, every displaced person, and every family fleeing violence possesses inherent dignity and worth. The Bible reminds us that God created humanity in His image (Genesis 1:27).

“ADRA is present in many of the places refugee families have fled from, and in places they have fled to,” says Paulo Lopes, President of ADRA International. “And what i want you to know is these families have not lost hope. They are still reaching for something better. For security. For dignity. For a future for their children.” 

This World Refugee Day, we stand alongside those seeking safety and a better future for their families. We refuse to look away from the millions of people who need our help. We invite you to join us as we serve humanity so all may live as God intended.