Refugee Week – Jun. 20, 2027

Refugee Week
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AwarenessInternational
Where:
United Kingdom
Date change rule:
Every June 20 through 26
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Refugee Week takes place annually from June 20 to June 26, dedicated to honoring the contributions, creativity, and resilience of refugees and those seeking sanctuary. This global observance aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by displaced people. Join us in supporting these individuals, advocating for their rights, and fostering a more inclusive society.

Want to sponsor Refugee Week? Learn how

Expected Refugee Week Deals

Refugee Week, a cause-driven observance, focuses on fundraising and awareness rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the UNHCR and Refugee Council often partner with corporations for donation-matching campaigns and public education initiatives. Look for opportunities to contribute to emergency relief funds, support resettlement programs, or participate in advocacy drives. Many local charities and community groups also host events to raise funds and collect essential supplies. We will update this page with confirmed live campaigns as June 20 approaches.

Platform Guide for Refugee Week

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #RefugeeWeek. Share insights on workplace integration and economic contributions of refugees.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #RefugeeWeek. Share stories of resilience and local community support initiatives.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #RefugeeWeek. Amplify calls to action, share news, and engage in conversations about global displacement.

Social Media Tips for Refugee Week

Individuals

Attend local events, volunteer with refugee support organizations, or educate yourself and others on the experiences of displaced people.

Creators

Produce content that shares refugee stories, highlights their contributions, or explains the importance of sanctuary and support.

Brands

Launch a donation-matching campaign, spotlight refugee employees, or partner with an organization to support resettlement and integration programs.

Organizations & Brands for Refugee Week

  1. UNHCR

    The UN Refugee Agency, established in 1950, is mandated to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people, and assist in their voluntary repatriation, local integration or resettlement to a third country.

  2. Refugee Council

    Founded in 1951, the Refugee Council is a leading charity in the UK working with refugees and people seeking asylum. They provide advice, support, and advocate for fair treatment and better policies.

  3. International Rescue Committee (IRC)

    Established in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. They work in over 40 countries.

  4. Tent Partnership for Refugees

    Founded in 2016 by Hamdi Ulukaya, the CEO of Chobani, the Tent Partnership is a global network of over 300 companies committed to integrating refugees into their new host communities through employment and entrepreneurship.

  5. Ben & Jerry's

    Known for its social activism, this ice cream company has publicly supported refugee rights and integration. They have launched campaigns and flavors to raise awareness and funds for refugee causes.

  6. Starbucks

    The global coffee chain has committed to hiring refugees in various countries, aiming to provide employment opportunities and support their integration into new communities.

  7. Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières)

    An international humanitarian organization that provides medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. They often work in regions with large displaced populations.

Refugee Week Hero

Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt, a former First Lady of the United States, played a pivotal role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This foundational document established the rights of individuals, including those displaced from their homes, and laid the groundwork for international refugee law. Her tireless advocacy for human rights continues to inspire efforts to protect and support refugees globally.

History of Refugee Week

Refugee Week is a special U.K.-wide festival celebrating the contributions, creativity, and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. It was founded in 1998 to celebrate the contribution of refugees to the U.K., and to encourage a better understanding between communities. From the inception of Refugee Week till now, it has always been a growing global movement.

Refugee Week is a platform that holds hundreds of arts, cultural, and educational events alongside media and creative campaigns. The celebrations that happen during Refugee Week are intended to help people from different backgrounds come together and also to create awareness of the reasons refugees exist in the first place. It also tries to shed light on the challenges the refugees face when seeking safety in different countries. This is why Refugee Week has been more of a platform for people who have sought safety in the U.K. to share their experiences and stories in their own way.

Regardless of color, class, gender, sexuality, age, or immigration status, refugees and asylum seekers form a diverse community with unique experiences. However, Refugee Week’s objective has remained unchanged since its inception — refugees and asylum seekers must be able to live safely within inclusive and resilient communities where they can continue to contribute. Let us all join together this Refugee Week to show our support for those who have lost their homes and lives, and welcome them all with open arms.

Refugee Week timeline

1905
The Aliens Act

The Parliament of Great Britain and Ireland introduces The Alien Act.

1945
The Effects of World War II

Many people become homeless and orphans as a result of World War II.

1998
The Birth of Refugee Week

Refugee Week is founded as a global movement to honor refugees.

2020
Nations Shed Light on Refugee Issues

Nations worldwide plan to act on the issues concerning refugees and migrants.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Refugee Week

Local businesses can honor Refugee Week by actively promoting understanding and support. Consider hosting a fundraiser for a local refugee resettlement agency or organizing a donation drive for essential supplies. Businesses can also explore hiring initiatives to provide employment opportunities for refugees, fostering economic integration and demonstrating a commitment to diversity. Highlighting the skills and contributions of refugees within the community can also raise awareness and build empathy.

Refugee Week FAQs

When is Refugee Week?

In 2027, Refugee Week also takes place from Sunday, June 20 to Saturday, June 26, providing a focused time to acknowledge and support those seeking sanctuary.

How many people are displaced globally?

The number of forcibly displaced people worldwide remains critically high, with millions forced to flee due to conflict, persecution, and human rights violations, underscoring the ongoing need for support.

What is the theme of Refugee Week?

The annual theme for Refugee Week serves to unite participants around a common message, evolving to reflect current global challenges and opportunities for refugee integration and advocacy.

What is the purpose of Refugee Week?

Refugee Week aims to create a more welcoming environment for refugees and asylum seekers by raising public awareness, challenging negative stereotypes, and promoting compassion and solidarity.

How to Observe Refugee Week

  1. Help and contribute

    Spread awareness and appreciation for all the hardworking refugees in your local community. Help them in any way you can.

  2. Take part in celebrations

    One of the impactful ways in which you can take part in Refugee Week is by participating in the celebrations. You can get involved by holding or joining an event or activity.

  3. Share your story

    If you’re someone who has been displaced from home or know someone who was displaced from home, share your story with the world. Use social media and let the world know about your experience.

5 Amazing Facts About Refugees

  1. The numbers don’t lie

    There are refugees in many parts of the world with as many as 48 million people being displaced in their own countries.

  2. Children suffer a lot

    About 42% of all forcibly displaced people are children under 18.

  3. Refugee children need education

    More than half of all refugee children aren’t in school.

  4. These countries top the list

    Most refugees fled from Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Myanmar.

  5. There are one million refugees born

    According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the number of children born as refugees between 2018 and 2020 is at least one million.

Why Refugee Week is Important

  1. The world needs to think about the plight of refugees

    Refugee Week is a much-needed day that emphasizes that the safety of each of us matters to all of us. Everyone has a right to have a place they can call home that is safe for them and their families.

  2. It is open to all

    Refugee Week is an open platform, more of a festival that welcomes a wide range of responses suited to many different contexts. The organization aims to make its activities more inclusive.

  3. It’s arts and culture

    We can all accept that arts and culture can help us see migration and displacement differently. So creating connections across differences and taking the experiences of refugees helps us live better together.

Refugee Week dates

Year Date Day
2027 June 20–26 Sunday–Saturday
2028 June 20–26 Tuesday–Monday
2029 June 20–26 Wednesday–Tuesday
2030 June 20–26 Thursday–Wednesday
2031 June 20–26 Friday–Thursday