A week of community and celebration in Brussels #WithRefugees

Refugee Committees in Brussels, with the support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Brussels Capital Region, are rolling out a week of action-packed activities to mark “World Refugee Day”, the designated international day on 20 June to honor people who have been forced to flee conflict, war or persecution.

This year’s events, organized from 15-23 June 2024, will celebrate the strengths and contributions of refugees and reflect on the challenges they face.

“Refugees have recently made the headlines in Belgium and in the rest of Europe. In the context of the elections, they often become these days a battlefield. Let’s not forget that refugees are part of our daily life: they play in the same football teams as us, they sing the same and other songs, they read or write books. Without them, our communities would not be so rich and thriving. Let’s celebrate their contribution to our lives,” said Jean-Nicolas Beuze, UNHCR’s Representative in Brussels.

Committees representing numerous refugee communities in Brussels are leading the way with the series of events - showcasing their talents, skills, music and cuisines from their home countries. 

"Refugee-led initiatives are not just about participation; they are about empowerment, dignity, and building a brighter future for all. Together, with your collaboration, we can continue to amplify these voices, harness their invaluable insights, and create a more inclusive and just society for everyone,” said Ahmad Wali Ahmad Yar, President of the Umbrella Refugee Committee.

“We are in a daily dialogue with representatives of local authorities and we believe that with the support of local administrations, governments, NGOs and the UNHCR, conditions can be created for the successful integration of refugees in Europe. This will not only improve the lives of refugees but also bring significant benefits to the host societies,” said Alina Kokhanko, President of the Ukraine Voices Refugee Committee. 

Visit our dedicated page for more information on the Brussels Refugee Week

Events:

• Football Tournament, 15 June (10am-3pm): An exciting 5-a-side football tournament will take place featuring refugee and local teams at Centre Fitfive in Forest.
• Concerts and Bazaar, 16 June (11am-7pm): The outdoor concert at Place Jean Rey will feature the vibrant sounds of Burundian, Afghan, Syrian, Ukrainian, Congolese, and afro music, performed by local and refugee artists. While you’re there, make sure to stop by the Bazaar and enjoy tasty Middle Eastern, Ukrainian, Afghan and Burundian delicacies and explore handmade items created by refugee artisans.
• Photo Exhibition, 17-22 June (10am-8pm): An exhibition featuring artwork and images of forcibly displaced people in Syria, Ukraine, Iraq and Gaza through the eyes of refugees will be on display at the Refugee Community Centre at Rue de la Loi 89.
• Movie Nights, 17-21 June (7pm-9.30pm): Screenings of a diverse selection of short and long films highlighting displacement situations from across the world will be held for five nights at the Refugee Community Centre at Rue de la Loi 89.  
• Book Fair, 22-23 June: A book fair featuring a wide array of books – from literature, poetry, and comics to children's books and manga – will be hosted at the Refugee Community Centre at Rue de la Loi 89.

To stay up-to-date on Brussels Refugee Week, follow @Refugees_EU on X and join in the conversation using the hashtags #RefugeeDay, #WorldRefugeeDay, #WithRefugees.

For further information and press inquiries, please contact:

• Christine Pirovolakis, [email protected], +44 793 183 21 64
• Frederik Bordon, [email protected], +32 476 42 01 34
• Hind Sharif, [email protected], +32 472 18 18 29

Find out more about World Refugee Day