Refugee Week 2026
Refugee Week 2026 begins on Monday 15 June, with Refugee Festival Scotland launching on Friday 12 June. At the University of Glasgow, Refugee Week is a valued annual opportunity to celebrate the contributions, creativity, and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary, while reaffirming our commitment to inclusion, solidarity, and social justice.
This year's programme is particularly significant as it takes place during the University's 575th anniversary year. As we reflect on our history and look towards our future through the 575 programme, Refugee Week offers an opportunity to celebrate the diverse people and communities who enrich our University and society, and to reaffirm our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
Inspired by this year's theme, Courage, our week-long programme will bring together students, staff, and partners through a range of events exploring belonging, community, and collective action. Join us as we celebrate the extraordinary impact of refugees and people seeking asylum across our #TeamUofG community and beyond.
Events Programme 2026
All Week
Everyday Acts of Welcome
University of Glasgow Gift Shop and Bookstore
Stories of Courage - Table displays highlighting refugee and migrant authors. Stories related to journeys, culture, and the concept of home.
Friday 12 June
RFS ‘Fringe’: Borders, Asylum and Displacement in Times of Global Crisis
42 Bute Gardens, Room 916, University of Glasgow, 15:00-17:00
Book tickets here.
Are ideas of liberal ‘hospitality’ still fit for purpose in a world increasingly hostile to any rule of law? How might we fruitfully connect racism, border violence, and inequality to the resurfacing of imperial geopolitics? And how can we resist, refuse, and abolish the systems that continue to harm our communities, humanity, and planetary life itself?
Join GRAMNet at the RFS Fringe, where we will reflect on interventions on the current state of asylum, humanitarianism, and border control at a time of global upheaval.
A series of speakers will offer short 5-minute interventions to address these and other relevant questions, followed by a discussion with the audience.
Monday 15 June
When Data Speaks: AI and Mental Health in Service of Displaced Communities
Advanced Research Centre, Room 237B, University of Glasgow, 14:00–15:30
Dr. Raneem Knaj explores how artificial intelligence can support vulnerable and displaced communities, highlighting the intersection of technology, mental health, and resilience.
Tuesday 16 June
The Strikers, work-in-progress
Citizens Theatre - Studio Theatre, Glasgow, 16:30–18:00
Book tickets here.
Strikers is a politically charged, absurdist play about a soldier falling apart under the pressure of war. Javvo is forced into conscription. As conflict tears through him, his sense of self fragments. Different parts of his body - his Ears, Eyes, Brain, Mouth, Hands, Nose, Legs, Heart, and Mr.Penis - become separate characters, each with its own voice. Together they argue, remember, and try to survive inside a man who is losing himself.
The work is informed by the writer’s own experience as a political prisoner tortured in Iran, and his father’s imprisonment and torture as a soldier in the Iran–Iraq war.
The event includes a work-in-progress reading of the play, performed by Sanjay Lago, followed by an open discussion with the audience to share feedback at this stage in the play’s development; creating space for reflection, dialogue, and shared understanding between refugee communities and the wider public. Delivered in partnership with U Belong Glasgow and hosted at The Citizens Theatre.
Wednesday 17 June
The Refugee Abyss
Advanced Research Centre, Room 237A, University of Glasgow, 14:00-15:00
A reflective and thought-provoking talk exploring the lived experiences of Eritrean refugees, challenging dominant narratives of displacement and encouraging new perspectives on responsibility and belonging.
My Story, Our Future Film Showcase and Community Celebration
Glasgow Women’s Library, 17.00-19.00
Book tickets here.
My Story, Our Future welcomes you to the premiere of our short film and a chance to learn about our process, share food, and celebrate all our stories. This showcase and celebration marks nearly a year of work on heritage activation, storytelling, and creative research in Glasgow. The short film will tell different parts of our stories to depict a richer picture of the people of Glasgow and find moments of joy and celebration in all our narratives. Join us for this premiere, and stick around for food, arts activities, music, and celebration afterward.
Thursday 18 June
Support Refuweegee: Letters fae the Locals
North Front, Gilbert Scott Building, 09:00–15:00
Contribute welcome messages for newcomers to Glasgow as part of Refuweegee’s campaign.
This is Your Home!
Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, 10:00-16:00
Book tickets here.
Join the ArtsLab on Migration and Displacement to explore and create your own story of home and belonging through writing, colour, or any creative form you choose.
Facilitators will guide you through storytelling basics and support you in expressing what “home” means to you – whether in Glasgow, elsewhere on this planet, or beyond.
No English proficiency or prior creative experience is required, and everyone is welcome. Just bring yourself, your languages, and your ideas; we’ll provide food and artistic materials.
Friday 19 June
Sanctuary Lunchtime Connections
Clarice Pears Building, Room 103B, University of Glasgow, 12:30 - 17:00
The University of Glasgow and Glasgow School of Art UNISON branch invites students, staff, community members and local refugee assistance organisations to join us for an informal lunch drop-in to celebrate Refugee Week 2026.
Stop by for a bite, make new connections, present collaboration ideas, celebrate the journey undertaken by your organisation in supporting the Glasgow refugee community.
This event provides the opportunity to gather grassroots organisations and individuals, providing a safe space to share lived experiences of forced migration, create cross-organisational linkages and organise for future action.
Should you want to present your organisation, please feel free to bring promotional materials along with you
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
This event is free but ticketed. Book your place here.