Refugee Week

Each year, Australians celebrate Refugee Week to coincide with United Nations World Refugee Day on 20 June. In 2009 Refugee Week will be 14–20 June.

The theme for Refugee Week 2009 is Freedom from Fear, and Celebrations and events are planned throughout the country. The Refugee Council of Australia coordinates these events and posts a list on their website, along with resources for event organisers.
See: Refugee Council of Australia website

Events supported by the department in 2009 include:

• community festivals and cultural celebrations
• citizenship ceremonies for people from refugee backgrounds
• art workshops and exhibitions
• a ‘Living Library’ project
• public forums and information sessions
• a candlelit vigil.

These events recognise the difficulties refugees have faced and the valuable contribution they make to Australia.

The theme for United Nations World Refugee Day 2009 is Real People, Real Needs. World Refugee Day is coordinated by the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
See: UNHCR website