 | | 2011 is the 60th anniversary of the UN Convention on Refugees and the Refugee Council, and Refugee Week this year celebrates 60 Years of Contribution. There are plenty of events across the UK to get involved with. Below are some of the Refugee Council events taking place this Refugee Week. For more information, visit the Refugee Week website. |
What's on
18th June
Football Tournament
The week’s events will begin in Leeds this year with the Refugee Council football tournament and fun day, with 15 teams coming to compete from the local communities, along with stands and activities for children this promises to be a fun event for the whole family. Local teams needed! Contact Natasha Geary for more information at natasha.geary@refugeecouncil.org.uk
19th June
Refugee Week Umbrella Parade
Join us for our second Umbrella Parade where asylum seekers, refugees and supporters will parade together through London carrying colourful umbrellas as a symbol of protection. We will be accompanied by the sound of drumming bands.
Meeting point: Meet at 1.30pm at Victoria Embankment Gardens, Westminster, London, WC2 (nearest tube: Embankment/Charing Cross) – where you will be given your FREE umbrella.
End point: Celebrating Sanctuary Festival, Coin Street (nearest tube: Waterloo/Southwark)
Map(opens in new window)
The parade will kick off Refugee Week 2011, and is being organised by the Refugee Week partnership including the Refugee Council, UNHCR, Amnesty International, the British Red Cross, STAR, the Children’s Society, and Refugee Action. This year we are celebrating the protection and contribution of refugees in the UK, since the UN Convention for Refugees was created in 1951. Similar umbrella marches will be taking place throughout that week to celebrate World Refugee Day in countries across Europe.
All are welcome, so please tell refugees, asylum seekers, supporters, charities, groups, colleagues, families, children, and friends to come along too!
RSVP
Email: umbrellaparade@refugeecouncil.org.uk
Facebook: click here for the ‘Refugee Week Umbrella Parade’ page and click ‘attending’.
Twitter: Tweet us @RefugeeWeek
Human Library at Celebrating Sanctuary
19 June, 2.30-6pm
The Refugee Council will be running a Human Library at Celebrating Sanctuary where visitors can borrow a human ‘Book’ and hear a refugee or asylum seeker’s personal story of courage and strength on their journey to safety. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the person behind the label, from a Holocaust survivor, to political refugees, and those fleeing conflict. Last year’s event proved a great success, and a recurring comment was that the stories were ‘something everyone should take 20 minutes to hear. Very inspiring!’
This free event will be held in Bernie Spain Gardens on the Southbank in London.
For a brochure of ‘BOOKS’ please email 60years@refugeecouncil.org.uk
For more on Celebrating Sanctuary, visit the Refugee Week website
21st June
Finding Home premiere
Guests are invited to the premiere screening of the Refugee Council and British Council film entitled ‘Finding Home’ (working title) which highlights the importance of learning English in the UK in order to join in with society. Numbers are limited for this event so please send an email to 60years@refugeecouncil.org.uk if you would like to attend.
22nd June
Refugee Week Cricket Match, Refugee XI v The Free Foresters
An annual event with a team of young cricketers from Afghanistan, these young people arrived in the UK as unaccompanied children and have attended the Refugee Council cricket project. Refreshments are included. Free event but do contact us for instructions on how to get to the event.
25th June
Refugee Week Ceilidh
An evening of dancing and music with all proceeds going to the Refugee Council Day Centre. This event will be held in Clapham. Tickets for the event cost £12 and include a buffet. This promises to be terrific fun! Bring friends and family! Book your ticket now!
Refugee Council Football Tournament, London
The final date for registration to play at this event is the 15th June. Contact Ezechias to sign up and for more information.
For more information on Refugee Council events for Refugee Week or our 60th Anniversary email 60years@refugeecouncil.org.uk
