Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the UN Refugee Convention

Join Jesuit Refugee Service/USA (JRS/USA) and leading refugee protection organizations for a special evening commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations Refugee Convention, a landmark international agreement that has protected millions of people forced to flee persecution and conflict since 1951.

This celebration will bring together Members of Congress and congressional staff, public officials, refugee and asylum advocates, faith leaders, refugee assistance organizations, and community members to reflect on the Convention’s lasting impact and reaffirm our shared commitment to protecting people seeking safety.

Co-hosts: Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL), Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) & Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD)

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
• Time: 5:30 p.m.- 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:15 p.m.
• Location: Room 902, Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC

What Is the United Nations Refugee Convention?

The 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention is the cornerstone of international refugee law. Adopted in the aftermath of World War II, it defines who qualifies as a refugee and establishes the rights of people forced to flee persecution, conflict, or violence, as well as the responsibilities of countries to protect them.

One of the Convention’s most important principles is non-refoulement, which prohibits countries from returning refugees to places where their lives or freedom would be threatened. Together with its 1967 Protocol, the Convention has guided international refugee protection for more than 75 years and remains one of the world’s most significant human rights agreements.

Today, the Convention continues to provide the legal foundation for protecting millions of refugees worldwide. As record numbers of people are displaced by war, persecution, and humanitarian crises, its principles remain as relevant as ever.

Hosted By

This event is presented by:

• Jesuit Refugee Service/USA (JRS/USA)
• Refugee Council USA
• Human Rights First
• Center for Gender & Refugee Studies
• Church World Service
• HIAS
• Refugee Congress
• Women’s Refugee Commission

Together, these organizations work to protect the rights, dignity, and futures of refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced people around the world.

Why This Anniversary Matters

For 75 years, the Convention has served as the cornerstone of refugee protection around the world, guiding nations in offering safety, dignity, and opportunity to those displaced by violence and conflict.

As global displacement reaches historic levels, this anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the Convention’s enduring principles, recognize the countless contributions refugees have made to communities across the United States, and celebrate America’s long history of refugee protection and leadership.

What to Expect

• Opening remarks from distinguished congressional and community leaders
• A panel discussion featuring prominent refugee and asylee leaders sharing their lived experiences and perspectives
• Opportunities to connect with policymakers, refugee advocates, faith leaders, and nonprofit organizations
• A reception with light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres

Register Today

Space is limited, and advance registration is required.

Questions? Please contact us here.