World Refugee Day 2025
Every minute, 20 people leave everything behind to escape war, persecution, or terror. This World Refugee Day, join us in honoring their strength, resilience, and courage.
Real Stories, Shared Strength
Behind every refugee statistic is a human story — a face, a name, a life forever changed by conflict, persecution, or disaster. This World Refugee Day, we focus on these real stories — the voices of those who have fled unimaginable circumstances and found strength, dignity, and a future here in Canada.
Experience Our Storytelling Display
From war zones to new beginnings, these journeys speak to the strength of the human spirit — and the shared values that unite us all.
📍 S Building, Glass Stairwell
🕒 Open Daily: June 16 to June 20, 2025
Discover Stories of Courage and Migration
Explore real, lived experiences of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or disaster. These powerful stories highlight the strength and resilience of individuals who have built new lives in Canada.
Stories available online and on display — discover them all.
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These stories share real experiences of displacement, trauma, and resilience. Some content may be emotionally difficult.
Please read at your own pace and take care of yourself.
Need Support?
Oksana and Mykolas family
“One of the biggest challenges that we have when coming to Canada is the struggle of having not chosen this life. We run from the death, from the war and there’s no time to prepare for this moving.” Read More!
Khesraw and Mitra’s family
“Before Taliban, Mitra and I never thought one day that we will leave Afghanistan, becoming refugees. I had a lot of plans to serve the people of my home country.” Read More!
Freawet Mega
“Exciting is not the right word…this is life-changing,” she says. “It changed their life and my life. They’re safe here. It’s huge.” Read More!
Hasan Sheblak
Hasan arrived to Canada in 2016 with his wife and children and were supported by ISSofBC’s RAP program. Hasan Sheblak has started a successful flooring and tiling business and now employs 6 trades workers on his team. Watch Full Video!
Syn Amanuel
“When you are a refugee, you are a nobody. You've lost your identity. Everything that you once believed to be true and familiar is jeopardized and you're rebuilding a life from scratch.” Read More!
Nour Utayim
From refugee to lifesaving pilot, Nour Utayim has delivered food and essential medical supplies to remote northern communities, including during the early days of COVID-19 and captains medical evacuation flights. Read More!
Juan
Fleeing death threats for helping vulnerable communities, I found safety in Canada, thanks to COMPASS, and now I’m rebuilding my life by helping other refugees. Read More!
Arben Popaj
I came to Canada in 2004 as a refugee claimant from Albania. Initially, just like many refugees, I have had a hard time adjusting to Canadian life. Homesickness was one of the key factors, especially when I did not know anyone. Read More!
Martha Kuwee Kumsa
I came to Canada with my three teenaged children in September 1991 as a refugee under the Women at Risk program. I was a journalist in Ethiopia when I was arrested by the military regime of Mengistu Haile-Mariam. I fled after ten years of imprisonment and torture.
Spotlight: WUSC at UFV
The World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Local Committee at UFV is helping transform lives through education. Through the Student Refugee Program, UFV students welcome refugee youth to campus and support them as they begin their academic and personal journeys in Canada.
““We’re not just helping students start a new life — we’re building a stronger, more inclusive campus.”
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Stand in Solidarity with Refugees
World Refugee Day is more than a moment — it’s a movement. Support refugees in your community and worldwide through meaningful actions, including those led by students right here at UFV.
Ways to take action:
Write a letter to the Hope Letter Campaign 2025, run by Good Neighbors Canada.
Share a Story on Social Media!
Need Support?
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DescriptionRefugee claimants can access free help through Archway Refugee Claimants Support Services — including housing, legal aid, and settlement support.
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Abbotsford: 604-854-4528 (Room B214)
Chilliwack: 604-795-2808 (Room A1318) -
Fill out a self-referral form to connect with a support coordinator.
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Chat with a trained peer, access wellness resources, or relax in a quiet space.
S3127 (Abbotsford) | A1302 (Chilliwack)
All services are confidential, free, and here for you.