The right to seek safety - a shared promise

World Refugee Day is marked each year on 20 June. It provides an opportunity for countries around the world to recognise the courage and resilience of people forced to flee their homes, and to reflect on the collective responsibility to support protection and safety.

This year’s World Refugee Day theme, “until everyone is safe,” highlights a simple but powerful truth: that safety is a fundamental right, and one that many people around the world — particularly refugees — are still denied. It is a timely reminder of the importance of international protection and our shared responsibility to support those forced to flee.

A shared global commitment

75 years ago, the international community came together to make a commitment — that people forced to flee conflict or persecution would have the right to seek protection and rebuild their lives in safety. That commitment was never intended for a few. It was meant for all of us.

Around the world today, millions of people continue to be displaced from their homes. Behind every number is a person, a family, and a story of resilience, strength, and hope for a safer future.

Supporting safety in New Zealand

In New Zealand, supporting people to find safety and rebuild their lives is delivered through a refugee resettlement system that includes different pathways working together to support people with a range of needs and circumstances.

The Refugee Quota Programme remains New Zealand’s primary humanitarian pathway, focused on people with the highest protection needs. Alongside this, complementary pathways help to broaden how people can be supported to rebuild their lives in New Zealand.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) works alongside partners across government, communities and the settlement sector to support people as they arrive and begin rebuilding their lives. This includes helping people access essential services, supporting connection into communities, and working with others to create the conditions for successful settlement and participation.

A collective effort

Fiona Whiteridge, General Manager Refugee and Migrant Services, says supporting people who have been forced to flee is a shared responsibility.

“Ensuring people are able to live in safety and rebuild their lives takes the collective effort of communities, organisations and individuals working together,” she says.

“It is through these partnerships that people can find a sense of belonging and begin to thrive.”

What we’re hearing from refugee communities

As we reflect on this year’s World Refugee Day theme — until everyone is safe —  insights from refugee communities help show what safety looks like in practice.

New research has provided insight into how former refugees are settling in New Zealand and how their experiences can help shape future services.

Findings from Immigration New Zealand’s Refugee Survey show many former refugees are settling well, with a strong sense of belonging and positive outcomes for families. The survey focused on 3 key areas of settlement: education and English language learning, employment, and participation in life in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The results highlight that the right to seek safety extends beyond physical protection. Feeling safe is closely linked to connection — with family, friends, and the wider community. Many respondents reported a strong sense of belonging, particularly where these connections were present, alongside opportunities to participate in everyday life.

Employment also plays an important role in supporting this sense of stability and independence, with many people in work reporting positive experiences. At the same time, the survey identified some ongoing challenges, including language barriers, limited New Zealand work experience, and recognising overseas qualifications - reinforcing that building safety and belonging is an ongoing journey.

National Manager Refugee Migrant Services Andrew Lockhart says the survey has helped centre the voices of people with lived experience.

“For the first time, we have been able to hear directly from former refugees about how settlement has worked for them, what has helped, and where there are still challenges,” he says.

“This gives us a much stronger evidence base to improve services and ensure support is focused where it can make the biggest difference.”

These insights highlight the importance of listening to refugee voices as part of keeping the promise of safety alive.

Keeping the promise of safety alive

World Refugee Day is an opportunity to recognise the courage of those who have been forced to flee, and to reflect on what it means to support the right to seek safety in practice.

For many, safety is not just about finding protection — it is about building a life where people feel secure, connected, and able to contribute. The experiences shared through the Refugee Survey highlight how important community, belonging and opportunity are in turning that right into a lived reality.

Fiona Whiteridge says this shared commitment remains as important today as it has ever been.

“The right to seek safety is a fundamental principle that underpins global efforts to protect people forced to flee,” she says.

“Supporting people to feel safe, included and able to rebuild their lives strengthens communities and helps keep that promise alive.”

When we support those most in need of protection, we contribute to stronger, more connected communities — ensuring that the right to seek safety continues to be meaningful for everyone.