In recognition of World Refugee Day, the Wisconsin Catholic Conference shared information about Catholic organizations that support refugees domestically and internationally.

“According to the 1951 Refugee Convention, a refugee is one who, ‘owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country,’” the WCC said on Facebook this week. “The Catholic Church has for decades taken seriously the plight of these vulnerable refugees and through advocacy, education efforts, and service provision sought to provide increased protections for them.”

Internationally, Catholic Relief Services and Jesuit Relief Service are two Catholic organizations that support refugees; stateside, Catholic Charities and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) are key players.

"If we want to cooperate with our heavenly Father in building the future, let us do so together with our brothers and sisters who are #migrants and #refugees,” Pope Francis said in a tweet. “Let us build the future today! For the future begins today and it begins with each of us. #WorldRefugeeDay”

The Catholic Church follows five guiding principles on immigration, according to Justice for Immigrants. The Church recognizes that: everyone has the right to find economic, political, and social opportunities in his homeland; if someone can’t find a job to support their family in their homeland, they have the right to relocate; sovereign nations have the right to secure their borders, but not if their only reason for doing so is financial gain; people who are fleeing wars and persecution should be taken in by other countries; and, regardless of an immigrant’s legal status, the person has dignity and should be treated accordingly.

World Refugee Day is celebrated on June 20, according to UNHCR. This year, the U.N. has focused World Refugee Day on the right to seek safety. This day provides an opportunity to recognize the strength and courage of refugees around the world who have fled war or persecution.