How to celebrate Refugee Week

Find out why Refugee Week is important and how to take part as a local action group.

17 Nov 2023

As part of a worldwide network, one way to show international solidarity is to make our home country a welcoming one. That’s why we’re taking part in Refugee Week this year, and we want you to join us.

What's Refugee Week?

Refugee Week is a UK-wide festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. This year it's running from 19 to 25 June. It's been around since 1998 and has various partners including Amnesty, Oxfam, the British Red Cross and the UNHCR. It facilities groups and communities to run events and activities that welcome and celebrate refugees.

Why get involved in Refugee Week?

We know that the climate and ecological crises are major drivers of migration, as people leave their homes due to environmental impacts such as droughts or extreme weather events. We also know this is an example of environmental racism, and that standing with refugees is an important part of being an anti-racist network. We can make the links between race, climate and migration clear in our communities and use them to build a stronger movement.

We're also one of 73 Friends of the Earth networks around the world. Many of our sister organisations work in parts of the world at greater risk of climate and ecological impacts. When we take any international solidarity action, including when we stand with refugees, we're helping build a more just world with them.

Migration is currently a live political issue in the UK, whether in relation to the callous policies of our government or the rise in anti-immigration sentiments. But we still believe that the majority of the UK public support a compassionate approach to migration. Taking part in Refugee Week is an excellent way to draw out and affirm this support.

How to take part in Refugee Week

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Refugee Week.