Refugee Week is a UK-wide programme of arts, cultural and educational events that celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK, and encourages a better understanding between communities. Refugee Week 2011 takes place from 20 to 26 June.
Every year during Refugee Week hundreds of events are organised across the UK. In 2010, there were over 500 small and large events, ranging from big music festivals and art exhibitions to political debates, film screenings, conferences, school activities, sports and community events etc.
For example, Ipswich Community Radio ran a series of features during Refugee Week, when asylum seekers and refugees told their own stories. One refugee from Iran, and two asylum seekers from Zimbabwe and Togo, when appropriate, talk on air about issues relating to their countries of origin. ICR also ran an on-air and off-air campaign in conjunction with the Evening Star (the local Ipswich newspaper) and BBC Radio Suffolk, when presenter from Togo was seized by immigration officials and threatened with ‘removal’.
