NEWS + EVENTS
REFUGEE WEEK 2009 - June 14 - June 20
Refugee Week 2009 was held from Sunday 14 June to Saturday 20 June, focusing on the theme “Freedom from Fear". Major launches were held in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane and more than 160 local events took place, including community celebrations, arts events, seminars, information expos, sporting events, film screenings and competitions.
The theme "Freedom from Fear" is at the heart of a refugee's flight from danger. The 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (and its 1967 Protocol) defines a refugee as:
Any person who owing to a well founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his/her nationality and is unable, or owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself/herself of the protection of that country.
When refugees flee, they are forced to abandon everything they know and love. They are separated from family members, lose belongings, are left with little or no money. Some are traumatised by what they have experienced. Many spend years in camps, lost in no-man’s land whilst their fate is decided. Most have no idea what kind of future awaits them.
In seeking refuge in another country refugees are hoping to find freedom from that fear. They are looking for the opportunity to lead a normal life, as part of a community, where they can live in safety and security, find work and send their children to school.
In choosing our theme as “Freedom from Fear” we are hoping to draw attention not just to the fear that compels refugees to run, but the relief they feel when they are welcomed into another country and given the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
Major sponsors for Refugee Week 2009 were the Victorian Multicultural Commission and AMES Victoria. RCOA is also indebted to the NSW sponsors of Refugee Week offering financial and in-kind support, including NSW Community Relations Commission, ACL, AMES NSW, Leichhardt Council and City of Sydney. In South Australia, Refugee Week is coordinated by the Migrant Resource Centre of SA.
Posters now available - click here to get copies
Click here - for Media Contacts in your state/territory
The Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) works with agencies around Australia to coordinate Refugee Week, a national celebration held each year since 1986. Each year, Refugee Week coincides with World Refugee Day, being held in the week (Sunday to Saturday) which includes June 20. Refugee Week 2009 will be held from Sunday, June 14 to Saturday, June 20, 2009. The theme for 2009 is 'Freedom from Fear'.
Choose from the links below for more specific information about Refugee Week:
- Organising an event
An extensive guide on how to organise your own event, including suggestions for events, how to get your event in the media and guidelines for working with refugees.
- Resource Kit and Posters for teachers and event organisers
This year’s information pack is broken down into several sections and includes background information about refugees in Australia, links to interesting websites, lists of films and documentaries addressing refugee issues and tips for teachers such as lesson plans, online games and event ideas. There’s also information on how to get this year’s Refugee Week poster.
- Contacts
Who to contact for more information about Refugee Week.
Our sponsors and supporters
The Refugee Council of Australia would like to thank its generous sponsors and supporters.
Major sponsors for Refugee Week 2009 are the Victorian Multicultural Commission and AMES Victoria. RCOA is also indebted to the NSW sponsors of Refugee Week offering financial and in-kind support, including NSW Community Relations Commission, ACL, AMES NSW, Leichhardt Council and City of Sydney. In South Australia, Refugee Week is coordinated by the Migrant Resource Centre of SA.
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