James Nachtwey joins as Guest Curator for exhibition at United Nations Headquarters on Human Rights Day

WORLD REFUGEE DAY — June 20, 2026 | Stockholm, Sweden

Seventy-five years ago, in the aftermath of the Second World War, the world made a promise: that people forced to flee their homes would have the right to seek safety and protection.

Today, that promise faces unprecedented challenges.

Observed each year on June 20, World Refugee Day serves as a global reminder of the millions of people who have been forced to leave their homes, and of our shared responsibility to protect those seeking safety.

Today, more than 120 million people worldwide have been displaced by conflict, persecution, violence, and climate-related crises. Behind every number lies a deeply human story. A family. A memory. A place left behind.

And a question that feels more urgent than ever: What does home even mean?

What does it mean to lose a home? What does it mean to find one again?

On World Refugee Day, UN Human Rights, Photography 4 Humanity, and Fotografiska are shining a spotlight on HOME, a global photography initiative that invites photographers around the world to explore one of humanity's most universal experiences: belonging.

Hosted on Fotografiska Emerging, the international open call asks photographers to reflect on ideas of home, identity, dignity, safety, memory, community, and place. Through documentary, artistic, and conceptual approaches, HOME seeks to create a global portrait of what belonging means in a rapidly changing world.

Selected works will be exhibited at United Nations Headquarters in New York beginning December 10, 2026, Human Rights Day, in Gallery A, one of the United Nations' principal public exhibition spaces. The exhibition will remain on view for approximately six weeks.

The initiative is guest curated by James Nachtwey, whose photographs over the past five decades have shaped how the world understands war, displacement, human suffering, and resilience.

"Some of the most urgent photographs of our time are not about conflict — they are about what conflict takes away. Home is one of those things. This exhibition asks photographers to look at that loss, and ask the world to look with them."

— James Nachtwey, Guest Curator

"For more than a decade, Photography 4 Humanity has worked with photographers around the world to illuminate the human rights stories that shape our time. HOME invites artists everywhere to contribute their own perspective on one of the most fundamental human experiences: the search for safety, dignity, and belonging."

— David Clark, Founder, Photography 4 Humanity

"Photography has a unique ability to connect personal experience with global realities. Through HOME, we hope to create a space where emerging photographers can contribute to an international conversation about belonging, while bringing deeply human stories into one of the world's most important civic institutions."

— Yoram Roth, Executive Chairman, Fotografiska

The curatorial team is led by Pauline Benthede, Global VP Artistic Direction & Exhibitions at Fotografiska, together with Sophia Emmerich, Lead Editor of Fotografiska Emerging.

Submissions remain open until July 12, 2026.

Photographers can learn more and submit their work at: emerging.fotografiska.com/missions/home

Selected artists will be announced in October 2026.

HOME: Exhibition Details

United Nations Headquarters, New York

Opening: December 10, 2026 (Human Rights Day)

Duration: Approximately six weeks

Guest Curator: James Nachtwey

About HOME

HOME is a global photography initiative created by Photography 4 Humanity and Fotografiska Emerging in collaboration with UN Human Rights. Through an international open call and a culminating exhibition at United Nations Headquarters in New York, HOME invites photographers worldwide to explore questions of belonging, identity, dignity, safety, memory, and place through the lens of contemporary photography.

About UN Human Rights

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) represents the world’s commitment to the promotion, protection, and realization of the full range of human rights and fundamental freedoms set out in international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Through the leadership of the High Commissioner and a staff of 2,000 across 92 countries, the Office works to make human rights a reality in the lives of people everywhere.

About Photography 4 Humanity

Photography 4 Humanity is a global social justice photography initiative created by David Clark Cause in partnership with UN Human Rights. The platform invites photographers worldwide to capture powerful images that illuminate the dignity, struggle, and resilience of people whose rights are challenged or defended. Each year, selected photographs are shared globally through UN.org and frequently exhibited at United Nations Headquarters in New York, using visual storytelling to elevate human rights awareness and inspire action around the world.

About Fotografiska

Fotografiska is the contemporary museum of photography, art, and culture. Founded in Stockholm in 2010, Fotografiska operates museums in Stockholm, Berlin, Shanghai, and Tallinn, with Oslo opening soon. Guided by the belief that photography is the most influential, accessible, and inclusive art form of our time, Fotografiska creates spaces where art, culture, and community come together to inspire new perspectives.

Fotografiska Emerging is Fotografiska's global platform dedicated to discovering, supporting, and elevating the next generation of photographic talent. Through open calls, editorial commissions, exhibitions, mentorship opportunities, and international partnerships, Fotografiska Emerging creates pathways for artists to reach global audiences and advance their careers.

Media Contacts:

Fotografiska: abiola.muritala@fotografiska.com

Photography 4 Humanity: info@photography4humanity.com

UN Human Rights: ohchr-media@un.org