The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies, Jesuit Refugee Service USA, Refugee Council USA, Human Rights First, HIAS, and Refugee Congress invite you to join a celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the United Nations Refugee Convention.This event will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. in Room 902 of the Hart Senate Office Building. Doors will open at 5:15 p.m. Please register by 10 a.m. on Friday, July 17.
Created in the wake of massive displacements after World War II, the 1951 Convention recognizes the rights of people forced to flee conflict and persecution and establishes international standards for their protection. The anniversary marks an opportunity to highlight its enduring principles, the contributions of refugees to our country, and U.S. leadership in their protection across many decades.
Join Congressional members and staff, public officials, refugee assistance and resettlement agencies, and community members in celebrating the current and future contributions of the Convention. The evening will open with remarks from special guests, followed by a panel discussion featuring prominent refugee and asylee leaders, and a reception with light refreshments and hors d'oeuvres.
We hope you will join us to commemorate this special occasion. Please register by 10 a.m. on Friday, July 17.
For questions, please contact usaconnect@jrsusa.org.