World Refugee Day 2025: Three inspiring stories of hope amid global crisis

One of the 123 million people estimated to be refugees or internally displaced worldwide in 2025, Amina is growing up far from her home of Khartoum, Sudan. 

This World Refugee Day—observed annually on June 20th to honor the strength and courage of refugees—we reflect on an unprecedented global refugee crisis that continues to upheave children’s and families’ lives, leaving them vulnerable to hunger, violence, exploitation and more. 

In 2024, a record-high of more than 122 million people were forcibly displaced due to armed conflict, violence or persecution—marking the twelfth consecutive year of increase in forced displacement. 

As we honor the courage and resilience of displaced people this World Refugee Day, we’re highlighting three powerful stories that illustrate both the devastating impact of displacement and the remarkable strength of refugee families and children working to build a brighter future. 

Sudan: A mother’s desperate journey to save her children 

Two years into Sudan’s civil war, the conflict has escalated into the worst humanitarian crisis in recorded history. More than 12 million people have been forcibly displaced—over half of them children—making it the world’s largest displacement crisis. 

When fighting forced families to flee Khartoum, Yousra, an SOS Children’s Villages Mother, and the five children in her care fled to a safer location amid the violent chaos. 

“What we went through was truly terrifying,” Yousra said. “The youngest children had nightmares and were sensitive to loud noises.”  

But within the safety of a loving family environment with a trauma-informed caregiver like Yousra, the children were able to discuss and process their trauma. Specialized SOS programs supporting displaced children and families—including protected, child-friendly spaces and informal education to mitigate learning disruptions—helped children like those in Yousra’s care find a sense of normalcy so they could heal and continue growing toward a brighter future.  

Although life in displacement for this SOS family is safe, the children worry about those who live closer to the fighting. Their friends, classmates and other children who are among the 600,000 people experiencing famine—the highest levels of emergency hunger recorded. 

The five children in Yousra’s care echo the desire of many displaced people, longing to return home and asking Yousra, “When is this going to end? Are all of our friends safe? When can we go back to school?” 

Amina dreams of a future where she can pursue her dreams of a quality, uninterrupted education, transforming her experience of displacement into empowerment for others.  

“I want to be a lawyer when I grow up,” she said. “I would love to one day defend the rights of those in need. But what happens if the fighting doesn’t stop?” 

Despite the uncertainty, Yousra continues to nurture the children’s dreams, encouraging them toward a bright future where they can reach their full potential—no matter where they live. 

Ukraine: A family seeks shelter from bombing 

After three years of war in Ukraine, it’s estimated that 3.7 million Ukrainians are internally displaced while 6.9 million are global refugees. The ongoing conflict continues to separate families, steal lives and destroy homes and communities across the country. 

Many families, forced to abandon their homes, are fleeing for their and their children’s lives—like Nadiya*, a mother of three who lived through the life-threatening experience of constant missile strikes. 

After days of brutal bombing, a brief respite in the attacks allowed Nadiya to flee with her children to Kyiv. She covered their eyes as they passed the devastating destruction and lost lives, finally finding safety in Kyiv and connecting with an SOS Children’s Villages program serving displaced families. 

The family participated in individual and group therapy sessions as well as educational classes designed to help displaced children continue learning despite not being able to attend a formal school system.  

“My children feel comfortable and relaxed here. We are not on our own,” Nadiya said. “We have a bright spot in SOS: someone to listen to us, to hear about our troubles, to help us.” 

Through holistic, tailored services, Nadiya’s family found the physical safety and emotional support they needed to process their trauma, heal, rebuild and plan for their future. 

Burkina Faso: A family flees after threatened at gunpoint 

Burkina Faso is facing a prolonged humanitarian crisis. Although it hasn’t received as much global attention as other emergencies, the crisis affects millions.  Severe violence from ongoing armed conflict has displaced more than two million people—including Absetou, a mother of three.  

After armed men threatened her family, Absetou fled in terror, running for her children’s lives with nothing but the clothes on their backs. 

“We abandoned everything: our house, our livestock, our food,” she said. ‘We walked for days in fear. We even lost the identity documents of our children. We have to rebuild everything.” 

With decades of emergency expertise, SOS Children’s Villages responded immediately, launching a humanitarian effort to provide families like Absetou with critical, life-saving aid—like nutritious food, clean water, shelter and mental and physical health care—and long-term support they need to survive a crisis and thrive for years to come. 

By implementing child-friendly spaces—safe spaces where children can play, learn and receive psychological support—SOS also helps children receive the protection, support and access to continued education they need to reach their full potential, like Absetou’s oldest son, Hamidou*. 

“I have made new friends at school, and I was among the best in my class,” Hamidou said. “I like math and science, and I would like to become a doctor someday.” 

Absetou resiliently supports her children, hoping they will inherit a life free from violence and displacement where they can build a better future. 

Hope beyond the headlines 

These three families represent millions of displaced people and refugees worldwide who handle unimaginable challenges with resilience and courage.  

Their stories remind us that behind every statistic is a child with dreams, a parent with hope and a family determined to rebuild. Amina wants to defend others. Hamidou dreams of healing people. Nadiya’s children are learning to feel safe again.  

This World Refugee Day, these families highlight that when we provide emergency relief and long-term support, we help create a brighter future for children, families and communities worldwide. 

*Names changed to protect privacy.