UNHCR marked its 75th anniversary in India through a celebration of art, culture and community, placing refugees and their voices at the centre of the commemoration. Held at UN House in New Delhi, the event brought together representatives of the diplomatic community in Delhi, United Nations agencies, civil society partners, donors, and refugee communities to reflect on 75 years of protection, solutions and hope for people forced to flee.
Established in 1950 in the aftermath of the Second World War, UNHCR is mandated to protect refugees and to seek durable solutions to end displacement. As UNHCR commemorates 75 years of its work globally, the anniversary in India offered an opportunity to honor the resilience of refugees and reaffirm a shared commitment to protection and inclusion.
The event opened with a welcome address by Ms. Areti Sianni, Chief of Mission, UNHCR India, who underscored the continued relevance of UNHCR’s mandate for protection and solutions at a time of unprecedented global displacement.
“Seventy-five years after the creation of UNHCR, the principles that guide us — humanity, shared responsibility and international protection — are more vital than ever,” she said. “As displacement reaches record levels worldwide, safeguarding the right to seek asylum and advancing solutions remain essential to saving lives and preserving dignity.”
Ms. Sianni also highlighted India’s long-standing tradition of offering refuge to people fleeing conflict and persecution, and acknowledged the strong partnerships between UNHCR, the Government of India, civil society, host communities and refugees themselves.
The program continued with remarks by Ms. Cynthia McCaffrey, United Nations Resident Coordinator a.i. in India, who reaffirmed the collective commitment of the United Nations system to protecting displaced populations and supporting durable solutions.
A screening of the UNHCR film “This Is Who We Are” set the tone for the cultural segment of the event, which celebrated the diversity, creativity and cultural heritage of refugee communities in India. Refugee artists and youth moved the audience with a traditional dance performance, instrumental and guitar music, group singing, and poetry.
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