Refugee Week 2026

Schools participate in Refugee Week simple acts using resources from refugeeweek.org. Activities range from classroom discussions on courage to creative projects. Schools can post activities on their websites and social media.

Young people from the Youth Voice Network (ages 12–21) design t-shirts on the theme of COURAGE. These designs will form part of a touring art exhibition with QR codes linking to audio explanations of what courage means to each young person.

Part of the global Refugee Week Film Festival. Free screening of curated short films and feature-length films by and about refugees. Refugee Week pays for rights and licenses. Last year saw 350 screenings worldwide from Chile to Japan. Films to be announced in April.

An interactive workshop where participants draw their connections with their homeland, languages, and identity on body-outline stencils. Led by a QUB academic, this creative exercise draws out personal stories of belonging and heritage. Linked to the Refugee Week simple act: 'Get Drawing & Painting'.

A local community conversation exploring the theme of courage. These small, welcoming workshops have been well attended in Mid-Ulster and are designed to surface important topics in an accessible, arts-based way. Open to all.

Trained people from refugee backgrounds host tables. Visitors rotate every 10 minutes to hear personal stories, see photographs, and learn about journeys from homeland to Belfast. A powerful way to humanise the refugee experience beyond statistics.

A guided walk through Belfast combining the simple acts 'Walk & Talk' and 'Have a Courageous Conversation'. An opportunity to walk alongside people from different backgrounds and share stories of courage, resilience, and welcome.

Drop-in session for asylum seekers and refugees offering immigration advice and general support through the Asylum Link project. Started in Belfast in September 2025. Open to anyone seeking information or assistance.

Launch of the touring art exhibition featuring t-shirt designs by sanctuary-seeking young people (ages 12–21) on the theme of COURAGE. Scan QR codes to hear each young person's explanation of courage. Includes poetry recordings. The exhibition will tour across NI including Derry, Portown, and Newry.

A collaborative cooking session linked to the simple act 'Share Food & Stories'. Participants share recipes and cooking traditions from their home countries. A chance to connect over food and hear stories of courage. Lunch included!

Evening screening as part of the global Refugee Week Film Festival, followed by a panel discussion on courage, resilience, and the power of storytelling. Films curated by Refugee Week with rights and licenses covered.

A major information event jointly organised by Queen's University Belfast and Belfast City Council. Featuring 30–40 stalls from housing, education, health services, NI Housing Executive, and community organisations. Specifically advertised to refugees and asylum seekers to connect them with essential services and support.

A friendly football tournament coinciding with the FIFA World Cup 2026, which overlaps with Refugee Week this year. Teams from different communities play together, highlighting the many brilliant football integration projects supporting newcomers. All skill levels welcome. Refreshments provided.

An afternoon of activities for children and young people from traveller, Roma, and newcomer backgrounds. Sports, art, music, and games in a safe, welcoming space. Organised by Toy Box, who work predominantly with traveller and Roma children and have recently expanded to support newcomer asylum seekers and refugees.

A special ceremony marking World Refugee Day. Hear from refugees about their journeys of courage. Belfast City Hall was lit up for Refugee Week last year. Candle-lighting ceremony and moment of reflection.

A vibrant food market alongside the Great Belfast Picnic featuring cuisine from around the world. Taste dishes from Syria, Eritrea, Sudan, Afghanistan, and many more countries. Linked to the simple act 'Share Food & Stories'.

The annual community picnic — rebranded this year from 'Great Refugee Picnic' to 'The Great Belfast Picnic' for a more inclusive signal. Each participating organisation contributes something: stalls, activities, food, music. Live music, cultural expression, kids' corner with face painting, crafts, and treats. All welcome!

The NI Housing Executive Refugee Integration Team provides information and advice on accessing social housing and other accommodation options for people granted refugee status. Part of the Great Belfast Picnic.

A creative, arts-based community event in the Mid-Ulster area. STEP has been supporting Mid-Ulster Council to build sanctuary initiatives including a sanctuary forum. This event brings people together through art, music, and conversation. Budget confirmed for events and community group support.

A relaxed gathering organised by the Law Centre's Migration Justice Project for the Refugee & Asylum Forum (220+ members). Planned for the week after Refugee Week when people have more capacity. A chance to come together, have fun, and build connections beyond the usual policy conversations. Date flexible — may move to w/c 22 June.

Closing celebration with live performances from musicians and dancers representing Belfast's diverse communities. A joyful end to Refugee Week 2026. Featuring the Barnardo's Auntu courage video showcasing young people from NI, Scotland, and Hertfordshire.