Refugees

Sport is present in almost every society around the world. People from all over the world play, follow, or participate in it. In many cases, sport is managed locally, benefiting from well-established local and national infrastructure and good coordination, and providing a basic and reliable service.

Since UNHCR began working with refugees, internally displaced persons, and asylum seekers, sport has emerged as a key element in displacement contexts. For those displaced by conflict, violence, or persecution, sport can be more than just a recreational activity; it offers an opportunity for inclusion and protection: a chance to recover, develop, and grow.

By mid-2024, the UNHCR estimates that more than 120 million people worldwide will have been displaced from their homes, 65% of them from just four countries: Syria, Venezuela, Ukraine, and Afghanistan. The vast majority of them are under the age of 18.

The Global Compact on Refugees, an international framework for finding more sustainable solutions to refugee situations, has highlighted the need for broader social action to address the challenges faced by displaced people and the communities that continue to generously host them. Sport can play a vital role in this regard. Around the world, organizations are using sport as a tool for protection and inclusion, improving health and well-being, combating inequality, and working towards building more inclusive societies.

Sport has the power to break down cultural barriers, improve physical and mental health, and create opportunities for more cohesive communities. Whether through sporting activities designed and implemented to engage displaced people and host communities, or by using the powerful communication platform of sport to reach new audiences and tell refugee stories, sport has the potential to create lasting change in displaced communities.

This page is for organizations that use, or wish to use, sport in their work with refugees, internally displaced persons, asylum seekers, and host communities. It provides background information on the topic, information, and links to key resources, as well as tips and guidance on key aspects to consider when working with displaced people.

Credits:

• This section was developed in partnership with the Sport for Refugees Coalition.
• For more information, please contact the co-organizers of the Sport for Refugees Coalition at [email protected]
• The logo image at the top of this page was created by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.