How to support refugees in 2025

For the millions of displaced women, men and children around the world, how we collectively act in the next 12 months will have a profound impact. A great first step is understanding how you can support refugees in 2025.

Supporting refugees can take many different forms – from simply talking about the ongoing issues with friends and family to raise awareness, to holding fundraising events in your local area, or even making regular donations if you can afford to do so.

Here are some of the best ways you can assist UNHCR and directly influence the lives of affected families and children in 2025 through UNHCR’s work.

The power of your voice

Refugees aren’t always made to feel welcome in the countries they have fled to. With that said, many refugees are eager to integrate in their new country by learning the language, understanding the culture and ultimately making a positive contribution to their new home. By choosing to speak up about their plight and encouraging others to respect the rights of refugees, you can have a direct impact on improving what is clearly a very challenging situation.

You can also offer further support by joining one of the many groups that work to help refugees integrate into society and access key services like employment, healthcare and education.

Another key step you can take as an individual is to combat the spread of misinformation about refugees. We would encourage you to challenge any misconceptions and share the facts whenever you can, in person or particularly via social media where misinformation can often spread quickly. Just make sure to always reference trusted organisations and reliable sources.

Get into volunteering

With millions of refugees likely to be affected by conflict, natural disasters and persecution in the coming year, offering your time and skills to families in need is one of the best ways to support refugees in 2025.

It doesn’t matter how much or how little time you can give, anything you can spare goes a long way to making the lives of refugees easier – and that is a truly amazing gift to give. Volunteering is also the most direct way to have a positive impact on someone’s life, and not only that, you’ll be working alongside other passionate volunteers just like you and learning new skills all the time.

Whilst UNHCR do not take on volunteers in the UK, there are many refugee organisations across the country which depend on the support of volunteers and we would encourage you to explore, including the British Red Cross, Refugee Action, the Scottish Refugee Council and the Welsh Refugee Council.

Donations and fundraising

Making a financial donation to charities like UK for UNHCR allows us to fund vital refugee support programmes and ensure families are safe and protected. If you want to have a direct and tangible impact on the life of a refugee in 2025, a one-off donation or even a monthly contribution can make a huge difference. If you would like to make a donation, please visit our donations page.

Aside from financial donations, you can give in many other ways. Fundraising is an amazing way to bring your local community together, generate a positive conversation about supporting refugees and raise vital funds in the process. Take a look at this amazing example we shared on our Instagram page, where two universities came together to host their own fundraiser. There is true charitable value attached to every single pound, dollar, euro – whatever currency you use.

FAQs about supporting refugees in 2025:

What makes someone a refugee?
Refugees are those who are forced to flee their country due to conflict or persecution. They are recognised and safeguarded under international law, which prohibits their expulsion or return to circumstances where their lives or freedoms would be at risk. UNHCR works relentlessly to support and protect these families, ensuring they are not returned to danger, have access to fair and efficient asylum procedures, and have their fundamental human rights upheld as they pursue longer term solutions.

Which countries host the most refugees?
At the end of June 2024, nearly 3.8 million refugees resided in the Islamic Republic of Iran, most of whom were Afghans. Türkiye hosted 3.1 million refugees, mostly Syrians. While 2.8 million refugees and other people in need of international protection lived in Colombia, primarily from Venezuela. Germany hosted 2.7 million refugees, 43 per cent of whom were from Ukraine. Uganda provided shelter for 1.7 million refugees, with over half originating from South Sudan.

How is my donation used?
Any donation you generously make would be used to help find lasting solutions for refugees – this can be in the form of helping them return home if safe to do so, or assistance settling in other countries. Your donations also help UNHCR provide lifesaving aid to the most vulnerable in the form of shelter, healthcare and nutrition. UNHCR also works with refugee families to help them with income generation, education, legal assistance and protection. UNHCR give special focus to the most vulnerable, especially women, children, older people and those living with disabilities.

A story of hope for refugees

Semira’s Family Reunion

Semira, a mother separated from her children during their escape from Eritrea, endured years of uncertainty and heartbreak. Her children faced perilous conditions, travelling through multiple countries without basic necessities and surviving a kidnapping. After eight years, Semira was reunited with her children, demonstrating the enduring strength of familial bonds and the vital role of UNHCR in reuniting families torn apart by conflict.

Watch the full story >>

Can you support refugees in 2025? 

The first step is understanding the truth about refugees, so thank you for taking the time to read this article; we hope it’s inspired you to make a difference. There really is so much you can do; from donating and fundraising, to welcoming displaced families into your community and spreading awareness. Whatever you do and however small, you can have a positive impact on those affected ‒ every effort counts.

Useful links:

• Support the current Lebanon crisis >> 
• More information on helping refugees >> 
• Read more refugee stories >> 
• Read some UK for UNHCR refugee facts >>