World Refugee Day is an international observance first established by the United Nations on a global scale on June 20, 2001, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. It highlights the rights, needs, and dreams of refugees, and helps raise awareness about the difficult situation of people fleeing conflict or persecution and their ability to endure hardships and rebuild their lives.

According to the United Nations Refugee Agency’s (UNHCR) annual statistical report on global trends, 79.5 million people were displaced by the end of 2019, an unprecedented figure. The COVID-19 pandemic poses an additional threat to refugees and displaced persons, who are among the most vulnerable.

This day is a call for greater inclusion of refugees in the health care system, education, and sports. The 2021 theme, “Together we heal, we learn, and we shine,” reflects the importance of access to prevention, vaccines, and care for these populations. To address these challenges, Santé publique France offers multilingual informational materials and tools developed in collaboration with associations and professionals.

New tools developed in partnership with the Committee for the Health of Exiles (Comede)

Bilingual health booklets

Serving as a tool for communication and dialogue between migrants and health or social services professionals, the bilingual health booklets are designed to help everyone better understand the French health insurance system, rights, and procedures. These booklets are currently being updated; the new 2021 version is already available in 15 languages.

• Access the bilingual health booklets, tools for connecting migrants with healthcare and social services professionals

The Comede.org website

Given the often-intertwined need for support, care, access to healthcare, and legal advice, understanding the medical, psychological, social, and administrative aspects of the journey faced by vulnerable migrants is crucial to providing effective care and support. Designed to promote a multidisciplinary approach, this site offers guidelines and addresses rights and support, access to care, health, and prevention.

Thematic tools for professionals

• "Let’s Talk About Vaccination" Guide: This educational guide aims to create a framework conducive to discussion about COVID-19 vaccination, particularly among groups of people who are hesitant about vaccination. Produced by the association Cultures & Santé (Belgium) and adapted to the French context by Santé publique France.

A campaign with Africa Radio on COVID vaccination

In partnership with Santé publique France, Africa Radio—the most-listened-to African media outlet in France—is launching an information campaign on COVID vaccination. Airing starting June 21, 2021, the radio messages aim to support listeners’ decision-making by highlighting the personal choices of “opinion leaders” for Africans in France. They share their reasons for choosing to get vaccinated.