Each year on 20 June, the world celebrates World Refugee Day. This year, World Refugee Day’s theme will focus on solidarity with refugees – for a world where refugees are welcomed.
In Brussels, Refugee Committees, with the support of UNHCR and the Brussels Capital Region, are rolling out “Brussels Refugee Week”: a week of activities from 15-23 June to stand #WithRefugees and celebrate their strengths and contributions.
What’s on for Brussels Refugee Week?
- Football Tournament, 15 June (10am-3pm) at Centre Fitfive in Forest: Get ready for an exciting 5-a-side football tournament featuring refugee and local teams. Come cheer and enjoy a day filled with thrilling matches, sportsmanship and community spirit.
- Concerts and Bazaar, 16 June (11am-7pm) at Place Jean Rey: Drop by Place Luxembourg for an outdoor concert showcasing the vibrant sounds of Burundian, Afghan, Syrian, Ukrainian, Congolese, and afro music, all performed by local and refugee artists. While you’re there, make sure to stop by the Bazaar for delicious Middle Eastern, Ukrainian, Afghan and Burundian delicacies and handmade items created by refugee artisans. Please see further info in this Facebook event.
- Photo Exhibition, 17-22 June (10am-8pm) at Rue de la Loi 89: 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. Join us for the opening vernissage on the evening of 17 June at 6pm.
- Movie Nights, 17-21 June (7pm-9.30pm) at Rue de la Loi 89: 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.
- Book Fair, 22-23 June at Rue de la Loi 89 (11am-4.30pm): 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.
For more information on activities that make up this year’s Brussels Refugee Week, please visit the dedicated webpage, press release and social media accounts on X (@Refugees_EU, @UNHCRBelgique, @UNHCRBelgie), Facebook @UNHCR.BE and Instagram @UNHCR_Belgium.
