Sport and refugees

Sport is present in almost every community around the world. People everywhere play it, follow it, or engage with it. In many cases, sport is run locally, has well-established local and national infrastructure and coordination, and provides an essential and reliable service.

Sport has also been present in displacement contexts for as long as UNHCR has worked with refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and asylum seekers. For these people, displaced by conflict, violence or persecution, sport can be much more than just a leisure activity, it can offer an opportunity to be included and protected – a chance to heal, develop, and grow.

As of mid-2024, UNHCR estimates that over 120 million people worldwide had been displaced from their homes, 65% of whom came from just four countries: the Syrian Arab Republic, Venezuela, Ukraine and Afghanistan. The majority of them are under 18 years old.

The Global Compact on Refugees, the international framework for more durable solutions to refugee situations, has highlighted the need for broader societal action to address the challenges faced by displaced people and the communities that continue to generously host them. Sport can play a major role in this. Across the world, organisations are using sport as a tool for protection and inclusion, to improve health and well-being, combat inequalities and work towards more cohesive societies.

Sport has the potential to break down cultural barriers, improve physical and mental well-being and create opportunities for more socially cohesive societies. From intentionally designed and implemented sport activities that engage displaced and host communities, to using sport's incredible communication platform to reach new audiences and tell refugee narratives – sport has the potential to create lasting change for displaced communities.

This page is aimed at organisations currently using, or aiming to use, sport in their work with refugees, internally displaced people, asylum seekers and host communities. It provides background information on the subject, information and links to key resources, as well as guidance and advice on some of the key considerations when working with displaced persons.

Credits:

• This section was developed in partnership with the Refugee Sports Coalition.
• For more information, please contact the co-organisers of the Sport for Refugees Coalition at: [email protected]
• The image in the logo image at the top of this page was created by UNHCR.