Your voice matters more than ever in a world where refugees’ rights are being challenged every day.
Join a global movement
Many individuals and prominent figures, including Nobel Prize laureates, are already supporting this commitment to refugees.
Why take action now?
Refugee protection is a global commitment: everyone has the right to seek refuge to escape war, violence and persecution.
This principle is now under threat: some people forced to flee find themselves stranded, rejected or left without safety.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is calling on governments to act to defend the right to asylum, protect refugees and strengthen international solidarity.
Every signature counts in sending a clear message to decision-makers at a time when concrete commitments must be made.
The petition
Read the full petition here
No to the erosion of refugee protection
Together, let us defend international solidarity.
In the wake of the traumas of the Second World War, the nations of the world made a solemn commitment: when a person is forced to flee war, persecution or violence, they must be able to find protection.
This promise has saved millions of lives. But today, this right is being weakened, whilst the number of displaced people is reaching record levels.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, ensures that the rights of refugees and the international convention – the 1951 Refugee Convention – protecting them are upheld.
Against this backdrop, with your support and that of thousands of signatories, we call on governments to:
- Uphold the fundamental right to seek asylum
- Honour the commitments made to refugees
- Ensure that people fleeing war, persecution or violence can access safe and dignified protection
- Reject measures that undermine refugees’ rights
- Strengthen international solidarity with people forced to flee
- Ensure swift and appropriate solutions, whether this involves integration in a host country, a new start elsewhere, or a return under safe and dignified conditions
- Act collectively – from governments to local communities, and from international organizations to civil society – to tackle the challenges of forced displacement together
We remain committed to the 1951 Refugee Convention and choose to uphold this commitment, both today and in the future.
FAQ
Why is this petition important now?
The world is facing a record number of forcibly displaced people, whilst humanitarian needs far exceed available funding.
This petition aims to mobilize strong support in the run-up to the 2027 Global Refugee Forum, a key moment when states and partners make concrete commitments to improve the protection and living conditions of refugees.
By signing today, you are helping to ensure our collective voice is heard at a time when important decisions will be made.
What is the aim of this petition?
This petition calls on decision-makers to strengthen their commitment to refugees by supporting concrete solutions for their protection, inclusion and future.
It aims to demonstrate that there is broad public support for a more ambitious and coordinated response.
What happens to my signature?
The signatures will be submitted as part of the advocacy work carried out by UNHCR and its partners, notably at the 2027 Global Refugee Forum.
Is my data secure?
Yes. Your data is treated confidentially and in accordance with applicable regulations, including the Federal Data Protection Act (FDPA) and the GDPR.
It is used solely for the purposes of this campaign and to keep you informed about the work carried out by Switzerland for UNHCR, including via email or telephone.
You can withdraw your consent or update your communication preferences at any time.
Who is behind this petition?
This petition is organized by Switzerland for UNHCR, the national partner of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Switzerland.
It forms part of a wider UNHCR initiative aimed at mobilizing the public and decision-makers around a stronger commitment to supporting refugees.