Refugee Week

Image

During Refugee Week 2023 we celebrated the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary alongside the theme of Compassion.

The University of Edinburgh has an extended history of providing a place of sanctuary and education for those seeking protection, with notable alumni who have found sanctuary at the University including physicist Max Born. Over the years, many staff and students have joined the University community and found a place of support, sanctuary and opportunity.

Edinburgh alum, Dajana Dzanovic, reached out to the University with her incredible account of her experience seeking asylum in the early 90's.

Read Edinburgh alum Dajana's personal story of overcoming extraordinary barriers

Amanullah Ahmadzai and his family were forced to leave their home in Afghanistan in May 2022. Since then, Amanullah has been able to continue in his academic profession as a Research Fellow at the Edinburgh Law School.

Read Amanullah's story

At-risk academic, Salim, share his personal story of huge disruption in his academic career, and finding his way in Scotland.

Read Salim's story

The University of Edinburgh has long been committed to its role as a University of Sanctuary, working in partnership with the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA) to help protect vulnerable scholars and refugees. Here, we look at the role the University played in supporting renowned Viennese composer, Hans Gál, after fleeing from Nazi occupied Austria.

Read Hans Gál's story

Refugee Week 2022 was held on 20–26 June surrounding the theme of 'healing'.

Read about our students and alums, Anna, Nula, and Hammed's journeys into Refugee Activism and their starts at the University of Edinburgh.

Read our Refugee Week 2022 community stories

During 2022, countless people across the globe watched in disbelief as Russian forces invaded Ukraine. To mark Refugee Week 2022, it seemed fitting to focus on the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and speak to staff who have been doing all they can to help.

Read a selection of stories from across the University community, as we stand with Ukraine

The University held a series of events during Refugee Week 2021 (14-20 June) to showcase Edinburgh’s support of refugee projects.

One voice who shared their story during the week was the new University Rector, Debora Kayembe. Her appointment to the role marked several key milestones for Edinburgh: She is both the first person of colour and the first former refugee to hold the position; her history actively supporting and representing refugee minorities as a lawyer in Scotland makes her uniquely aware of the progress we have made and the work that remains.

Debora used her time as a guest on the Much Language Such Talk podcast to talk about World Refugee Day:

Listen to the podcast

During this year, our events were an online showcase of storytelling, art, resources and contemplation designed to increase to raise awareness of the refugee experience in the UK and promote conversation around the subject.

Due to their digital nature, these events remain available as an online resource.

Access our Refugee Week 2021 online events and resources

In 2020, the University hosted an online Refugee Week showcasing Edinburgh’s support of refugee projects, centring around World Refugee Day on 20 June. This year's theme was 'Imagine'. We also took part in the 'Simple Acts' digital campaign. Simple Acts are everyday actions we can all do to stand with refugees and make new connections in our communities.

Find out more about Refugee Week's Simple Acts campaign

We reached out to a variety of student groups, community groups and individuals to find out more about some of the fantastic work being carried out in Edinburgh to support refugees in our community.

Read all of these incredible stories via our 2020 Refugee Week story book

Explore our Refugee Week 2020 highlights

In 2019, the University ran a series of events in support of national and regional activities celebrating refugees. The theme for this year’s Refugee Week was “you, me and those who came before”, exploring the lives of refugees and those who have welcomed them. The activities ran from the 17 – 28 June and included filming screenings, art exhibitions and workshops.

The Scottish Refugee Council also held events throughout Scotland, which celebrated the contribution that refugees make to Scotland - this year the theme of the festival was “Making Art, Making Home” focusing on the talent, creativity and reliance of new Scottish Artists.

Find out more about the events which took place during Refugee Week 2019