Finding Freedom: Refugee Week 2025
Finding Freedom: Refugee Week 2025, 15-21 June
Celebrating Inclusive Communities
In 2025, we will reach the milestone of welcoming our one millionth refugees to Australia since World War II. Many of us in Australia can proudly say we now call Australia home after arriving as refugees, or after our parents arrived as refugees.
Refugee Week includes World Refugee Day on 20 June. In 2025, Refugee Week is guided by the theme “Finding Freedom,” highlighting the importance of diversity within communities, emphasising how connection and support are vital for everyone, regardless of race, religion, gender, language, disability, sexuality, or age.
Freedom means life without oppression, where rights are protected, equality is upheld, and safety is assured. Millions globally embark on perilous journeys, searching for the freedom to live, love, and dream in a safe environment.
Refugee Week: A Legacy of Awareness
Established in 1988, Refugee Week, coordinated by the Refugee Council of Australia, has grown into Australia’s premier annual event to heighten awareness of refugees, the challenges they face, and their contributions to society. Hundreds of organisations join in with celebrations such as music and arts festivals, public discussions, sporting events, and rallies. Refugee Week is a platform for reflection, education, and celebration of resilience. Aims of the week include: to educate the Australian public about refugees and why they come to Australia, to help people understand the many challenges refugees face coming to Australia, and to celebrate the contribution refugees make to our community.
Who is a refugee?
A refugee is someone who has been compelled to leave their home due to conflict, persecution, or war, seeking protection in another country. This displacement often arises from threats related to race, religion, nationality, political views, or membership in a particular social group. In some cases, refugees are also forced to flee due to natural disasters or drastic environmental changes.
What does seeking asylum mean?
Seeking asylum refers to the act of escaping one’s country to find safety and protection. It occurs when an individual applies for refugee status but has not yet had their claim reviewed. According to international law, a person is considered a refugee as soon as they meet the criteria, regardless of whether their application has been processed. The right to seek asylum is upheld by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Many countries, like in Australia, have established their own systems to determine asylum claims.
Get Involved
There are a number of ways you can get involved in or support Refugee Week – including organising your own event or attending an event near you. Visit the Refugee Council of Australia websites for more details and all event information:
www.action.refugeecouncil.org.au/rw_events
Romero Centre: Welcome Walk
Consider participating in or donating to the Romero Centre’s Welcome Walk on 15 June, in Brisbane – raising funds for asylum seekers.
For more read our article here.
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