Different pasts, shared future
Refugee Week is an annual festival that celebrates and promotes the contribution of refugees to the UK.
This year we are marking the 60th anniversary of the UN Refugee Convention by highlighting the positive impact of refugees on our soceity since 1951.
M&S was co-founded in 1884 by Michael Marks, who came to the UK as a Jewish refugee.
The creator of the Mini, Sir Alec Issigonis, was a Greek who fled from Turkey in 1922.
Fish and chips were brought to the UK by Jewish refugees expelled from Portugal in the 17th century.
Around half of the workers who built the Southbank Centre in 1951 were refugees.
Working with a range of charities, local government and community organisations we aim to spread positive messages that counter the fear, ignorance and negative stereotypes often associated with refugees through arts, cultural and educational events that celebrate their contribution to the UK.
The goal is to promote understanding about the reasons why people seek sanctuary.
Events include the popular Umbrella parade on the 19th June, a UNHCR Magnum photographic exhibition in Glasgow and the free Celebrating Sanctuary festival on London's South Bank.
Click here for more info on our specific events
And don't forget to look out for our posters on the London underground!
