Celebrating Refugee Week 2024: Our Home

This year’s Refugee Week falls between 17 – 23 June and marks its 26th anniversary. Established in 1998, the week is in recognition of refugees and those seeking sanctuary. It also celebrates their contribution, creativity and resilience in the face of adversity. The theme this year, ‘Our Home’, encourages people to extend warmth and hospitality to others, especially those seeking refuge.

The goal of the week is not only to raise awareness of refugees and asylum seekers, but also to empower them. It calls on us to create inclusive and welcoming communities and challenge negative stereotypes. Additionally, as stated by the organisers of Refugee Week, the week aims to “reject the idea that people seeking safety should have to ‘prove their worth’ more than others in society”.

In recognition of this important week, our trust will be hosting an open conference titled ‘Refugee Care: Our Home’ on Wednesday 19 June, in partnership with the University of Essex. This free event, between 1pm and 7pm, will feature an array of lively talks, a reflective discussion space and various creative activities. All are welcome to attend, especially those with lived experiences of seeking sanctuary or anyone interested in the subject of human rights, health care and community work.