Standing with the Displaced: Reflections on World Refugee Day

Every year on 20 June, we mark World Refugee Day—a moment to pause and reflect on the resilience, courage and strength of millions of people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution or violence.

As an Australian immigration lawyer, I am privileged to witness a part of that journey—one that begins in crisis and, for some, ends in safety and hope in Australia.

Australia’s refugee intake

According to the UNHCR, over 120 million people are currently displaced worldwide—the highest number in recorded history. While Australia is geographically removed from many conflict zones, we have a proud tradition of refugee resettlement. In recent years, our policies have grown increasingly complex, and at times, controversial. This year Australia aims to resettle 20,000 refugees from around the world.

The people beyond the headlines

Much of the public debate around refugees in Australia is focused on arrival methods, detention centres or offshore processing. But behind every case is a person—someone with a story, a family and a past they did not choose to leave behind.

As a migration lawyer, I assist clients navigating the Refugee and Humanitarian Program, including those applying for protection visas onshore or those seeking to be reunited with loved ones they had to leave behind. These cases are never simple. The legal thresholds are high; the process is lengthy and emotionally draining for everyone.

Two practical ways to help

With such high numbers of displaced people worldwide the situation can sometimes feel hopeless. For those wanting to make a difference to someone’s lived experience of displacement here are two positive ways you can make an impact.

1. Assist with community integration

One way Australia resettles refugees, referred to it by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), is through the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP). This program allows volunteers in communities around Australia to provide a soft landing to refugees. These volunteer groups help refugees integrate into the Australian community for 12 months after they arrive.

The CRIPS program was initially a three-year pilot. Earlier this year the Australian government announced it would make the CRISP program a permanent part of Australia’s efforts to resettle refugees.

I am fortunate enough to have found a group of like-minded community members who I am working with to supporting a refugee or refugee family settle in Australia through the CRISP program. We are in the early stages of training, planning and fundraising. We are so hopeful and very much looking forward to welcoming a refugee(s), whoever that may be to Australia.

2. Recommend your employer hires displaced talent

Aside from assisting refugees to integrate into Australia through the CRIPS program employees can encourage their employers to consider hiring a talented displaced person through organisations like Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB). TBB provides an employee/employer matching program to connect skilled displaced workers with employers around the world.

Many countries, like Australia, have dedicated programs, to allow the refugee/displaced person concessions to the usual employer sponsored visa programs. Often this involves understanding that when someone is fleeing for their life they are unlikely to bring with them the traditional documents required of most migrants like educational qualifications or even birth certificates.

A Call to Action

On this World Refugee Day, I urge all Australians to learn, reflect, and act. Whether it’s through legal advocacy, community support, or simply listening with empathy, we each have a role to play in offering protection to those who need it most.