Refugee Council’s Post

Refugee Week Ireland takes place between the 17-23 June 2024 and you can find all the information about it here https://refugeeweek.ie/ Amidst all the negativity surrounding immigration, seeking international protection and being a refugee in general, Refugee week is a great opportunity to showcase , highlight and celebrate the various contributions of refugees in Ireland and around the world but also an opportunity to simply celebrate refugee's humanity and existence. As Poet Warsan Shire says " No one leaves home unless home chases you fire under feet hot blood in your belly. You have to understand, that no one puts their children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land. No one leaves home until home is a sweaty voice in your ear saying leave, run away from me now I don't know what I've become but i know that anywhere is safer than here." I can confirm , and as we should all know as a nation of great migration is, that no one choses to leave their home and everything they've known unless there is a promise of something better. This refugee week, let's celebrate with refugees by giving them a space to acknowledge and celebrate their lives and past homes and ensure their current homes are safer. We can all do something in our own capacity to celebrate refugee week by choosing to stand brave in solidarity with Refugees everywhere and most especially those in our communities, work and neighborhoods. Refugees are welcome. Seeking refuge is a right and not a crime. #Refugeeswelcome #refugeeweek

In Europe, proposals to enact a new pact on asylum and migration are fostering a narrative of migration as a national security threat, says Anna Coulibaly of International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) Europe.   “Newcomers are seen as burden rather than a resource” and as passive recipients, she notes, a perspective that takes away the agency of people on the move.   During WACC’s most recent Conversation Circle, Anna explained how ICMC Europe supports the SHARE Network as they build inclusive societies for newcomers across through region. One way that SHARE is creating positive narratives is through community sponsorship programs, where groups of volunteers come together to welcome refugee families to a community. Through training and the experience of integration, volunteers become agents of change to counter hostile views, and newcomers are empowered as people with agency.   “We need a shift to see newcomers as active agents of change, actors in integration and inclusion. We need to put a lot of work to foster their meaningful participation,” she said.   ➡️ Discover more of the discussion from “Unheard Migrant Voices: Why Promoting Rights-Based Narratives on Migration is More Critical Than Ever”: https://lnkd.in/gNZ7k3cM   #MigrantVoices #MigrantRights #WithRefugees #CommunicationForAll

Refugee Stories for Change is what gave me to strength to speak my truth and change the narrative. Giving back the power to those who should be heard. If you’re keen to hear from one of our refugee advocates, click the link below and book a speaker!

This #WorldRefugeeDay we've compiled a list of books that explore migrant experiences. They'll encourage us all to think about the challenges people face when seeking refuge. https://lnkd.in/eqhuqANp

I'm at Westminster for a parliamentary event, and as I look around, I realise this is the first time we feel heard and seen. Last month, I had the privilege of co-authoring an article with Loujein, my incredible peer from the Refugee Council’s Youth Advocacy and Campaigns Group. The article reflects on an impactful event held at Westminster, organised by the Refugee Council and Baobab. Here are the main 3 takeaways I shared: 1. Humanity Behind the Numbers: For once, we weren’t just ‘asylum seekers’ or ‘refugees’ – we were individuals, sharing the struggles we face in the UK asylum system. We shared personal stories with MPs and Peers, reminding them that behind every case number, there’s a person with potential and hope. 2. The System’s Barriers: Young asylum seekers spoke courageously about their challenges – from waiting months for education to enduring long periods of instability and isolation. These barriers don’t just delay progress; they take away hope. 3. Optimism for Change: After sharing our stories, many of us felt more optimistic about the future. The event gave us confidence, not only because we represented others like us, but because we felt listened to. The full article: https://lnkd.in/eMgwNhXB "A fair and kind asylum system treats every young refugee with respect, recognising their humanity and potential." - Motaz Special thanks to Afzal Khan MP, Lord Alf Dubs, and the Refugee Council for creating a space for our voices to be heard, and to all the young speakers who shared their powerful stories. Together, we must turn these voices into action, building a fairer and kinder asylum system that treats us as human beings and offers every young refugee a place to call home. #RefugeeVoices #ForChange #YouthAdvocacy #HumanRights

My new Article is published @ Global Rights Defenders. Each year on June 20th, the international community comes together to commemorate #WorldRefugeeDay, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of #refugees worldwide and celebrating their #strength and #resilience. As a #refugee myself, I find it imperative to share the realities we face, emphasize the importance of #welcoming and #integratingrefugees into host countries, and #advocate for enhanced support from #internationalorganizations and non-governmental organizations (#NGOs). #UNHCR #UN #SDG #GCR Refugees International Refugee Law Initiative Refugee Resettlement Initiative Refugee Entrepreneurship Network

Today is World Refugee Day! Join us in honoring the strength, courage, and resilience of millions of refugees globally. Forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, and disasters, refugees embark on dangerous journeys seeking safety and a chance for a better future. At Graham Packaging, we believe in fostering inclusivity and providing equal opportunities for all. That is why we established the Graham Embrace Program (GEP), which collaborates with Tent.org to build relationships with local resettlement agencies to hire and train refugees in need of new careers in the United States. Graham is committed to offering job opportunities to at least 100 Refugees by 2025. Ways You Can Make a Difference: 💬 Advocate for refugee rights and humane asylum policies. 💸 Donate to organizations that support refugees. 🤝 Volunteer your time and skills to support refugee communities. 📚 Educate others about the refugee crisis and share their stories. 🛍️ Support refugee-owned businesses and initiatives. Together, we can create a better tomorrow by building a more inclusive and compassionate world. #WorldRefugeeDay #StandTogether #Humanity #Refugees #GrahamPackaging

Refugees are individuals who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or disaster. They face immense challenges, including the loss of their homes, communities, and often their families. As we strive to build a more inclusive and compassionate world, it is crucial to address the needs of refugees, providing them with safety, support, and opportunities to rebuild their lives. Today, I would like to highlight Refugee Story Project. These non-profit aims to share the powerful stories of refugees from around the world, shedding light on their experiences, struggles, and triumphs. By amplifying their voices, we hope to foster understanding, empathy, and action within our communities. Join us in supporting refugees by: - Listening to and sharing their stories - Supporting community efforts to welcome and integrate refugees - Contributing to organizations dedicated to refugee aid and resettlement Together, we can make a difference and help refugees find hope and a new beginning. #Refugees #Inclusion #Compassion #RefugeeStoryProject #HumanRights #Advocacy

This week is National Refugee Week, a celebration of the strengths of refugees and a chance for everyone to broaden their understanding of how we can be supportive. Our Refugee & Migrant Settlement Services (RAMSS) team have put together 3 tips, everyday actions that you can take to support refugees set up their new lives. 1. Be understanding Refugees often come from horrible circumstances. They’ve shown incredible resilience to escape their own country and find safety and a future in Australia. Your understanding will help refugees access support relevant to their needs and aspirations. 2. Include in your community events Invite new refugees to your community events. By inviting new members of your community to your events, you’re helping people understand and find their place in their new community. For example, attending community dinners, joining walking groups and participating in other activities can help build connections and sense of belonging. 3. Be patient Many refugees arrive in Australia with limited English, be patient to help newly arrived refugees gain the confidence to learn and practice their English skills. More reading if you're interested https://lnkd.in/gNvj52wK

🌍 Especially tomorrow on World Refugee Day, and every day, ALDA honours the journeys of millions forced to flee their homes. In this regard, the impact of INCLUDATE and ALDA’s migration initiatives has been at the core of ALDA's action in addressing #migration challenges. 1️⃣ INCLUDATE empowers migrant #associations across Europe, fostering #inclusion and #diversity. Learn more about INCLUDATE 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dEPFnqDY 2️⃣ ALDA's flagship initiative (2024-2028) supports local #integration and the rights of migrants, working with Local Authorities and Civil Society Organisations. Discover ALDA's migration initiatives 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dkg9zya6 As #conflict and #displacement continue, we stand in #solidarity, committed to inclusive #societies where everyone feels valued.