There is an estimated 59.5 million people displaced worldwide (UNHCR, 2015)
“Through Refugee Week we aim to provide an important opportunity for asylum seekers and refugees to be seen, listened to and valued.” Refugee Week
Refugee Week began in 1998 and is an established part of the UK’s cultural calendar. This national initiative works to defend the importance of sanctuary and the benefits this can bring to refugees and communities. Refugee Week is a nationwide programme of arts, cultural and educational events that celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK, and encourages a better understanding between communities.
The aims of Refugee Week are:
- To encourage a diverse range of events to be held throughout the UK, which facilitate positive encounters between refugees and the general public in order to encourage greater understanding and overcome hostility
- To showcase the talent and expertise that refugees bring with them to the UK
- To explore new and creative ways of addressing the relevant issues and reach beyond the refugee sector
- To provide information which educates and raises awareness of the reality of refugee experiences
Their ultimate aim is “to create better understanding between different communities and to encourage successful integration, enabling refugees to live in safety and continue making a valuable contribution.” Refugee Week
Migration Matters Festival – Sheffield – 20th – 24th June – Celebrating sanctuary in the Steel City
“Bringing Sheffield’s communities together through art, performance and celebration.”
Sheffield was the UK’s first City of Sanctuary and it is a city that remains rich with diversity and interconnecting cultures. This year’s five day festival seeks to celebrate this history and culture with a vibrant and inclusive series of events.
To find out more about this festival of diversity and celebration of migration, visit the Migration Matters Festival website.
Famous refugees you may know…
Rita Ora – Came to the UK from Kosovo in 1991.
Omid Djalili – He and his family are Iranian refugees.
Wyclef Jean – Haitian refugee. His group was named the ‘Fugees’ (short for refugee).