75 years later, the promise to protect refugees faces its greatest test

The initiative, called The Promise, comes at a time when more than 41 million refugees remain displaced worldwide, as conflicts continue to uproot families and place growing pressure on asylum systems and the countries hosting those seeking safety.

Led by UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih, the initiative aims to build a broad coalition in support of refugee protection ahead of the Global Refugee Forum in 2027. That will bring together voices from across civil society to reaffirm the right to seek asylum and rebuild lives after conflict and persecution.

Among the first 75 signatories are actor-humanitarians Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, and Ben Stiller, along with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai.

Refugee leaders, business figures, faith leaders and human rights advocates have also joined the initiative.

Together, the signatories are calling for a world where people forced to flee can seek safety, refugees are welcomed into communities, and governments act early to support host countries and pursue lasting solutions to displacement.

“Seventy-five years ago, the world made a promise to protect people forced to flee” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih. “Our responsibility now is to keep that promise alive, for all generations to come.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasised that keeping that promise alive requires sustained international solidarity.

“It requires genuine international cooperation and responsibility-sharing, including supporting the countries and communities – many with limited resources – that host the largest numbers of refugees.”

Adopted in 1951 in the aftermath of the Second World War, the Refugee Convention established the legal foundation for protecting refugees and the principle that people fleeing persecution should not be returned to danger.

UNHCR said its principles remain as vital today as record levels of displacement strain humanitarian systems across the globe.

“We must support host countries and communities, expand opportunities for refugees, and create the conditions for voluntary return and other lasting solutions” said Ms. Salih.

The agency hopes the initiative will reinforce the enduring principles of the Refugee Convention at a time when millions of people remain displaced and humanitarian needs continue to grow.