It takes place every year around World Refugee Day (20th June).
Refugee Week takes place in over 20 countries around the world.
By providing a platform for people who have sought sanctuary to share their experiences, perspectives and creative work on their own terms, the festival aims to enable refugees and asylum seekers to be able to live safely within inclusive and resilient communities, where they can continue to make a valuable contribution.
In Refugee Week 2024 there were over 15,000 events and activities and over 1.3 million people took part. [1]
In 2026, Refugee Week will take place from 15-21 June, with the theme 'Courage'. [2] Events take place across the UK and internationally. [3]
Previous Refugee Weeks included the themes:
Refugee Week UK is a partnership project coordinated by Counterpoints Arts, working with Amnesty International, Barnardo's, Ben & Jerry's, British Future, the British Red Cross, Choose Love, City of Sanctuary, Freedom from Torture, imix, IOM (the International Organization for Migration), the International Rescue Committee, Migrant Help, National Education Union, Oxfam, Refugee Council, Refugee Action, Scottish Refugee Council, Student Action for Refugees, UK for UNHCR, UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), and the Welsh Refugee Council. [4]
UK Refugee Week activities are delivered with multiple national and regional partners. [5] Refugee Week is also celebrated in Australia, Berlin, Croatia, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jordan, Malta, Lithuania, Slovenia and Taiwan. [6]