Refugee Week 2010
Event Dates:
June 20, 2010 - 8:00am - June 26, 2010 - 12:00am
Event Type:
General Event
Event Location:
National
Refugee Week overview
Refugee Week is an annual event that is held internationally as an initiative to celebrate refugees from across the globe. This year, coinciding with World Refugee Day on June 20th, Refugee Week will be celebrated across Australia from 20th – 26th of June.
The theme for Refugee Week 2010 in Australia is "Freedom from Fear" and aims 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. The Refugee Council of Australia is encouraging community organisations and local governments and businesses to get involved in Refugee Week by holding events which celebrate the rich diversity and culture of refugee communities, or which educate the public and raise awareness about the plight of refugees in Australia and around the world.
Why are books important?
One of the greatest challenges we face in raising awareness about refugee issues is getting people to understand the complex global situations that force people to leave their homes and consequently, having people see refugees as real people, and not just a statistic. Through the world of literature people can discover the stories of refugees by reading personal accounts or by looking at texts which approach the issues of human rights, belonging, exile and asylum.
This year we are asking your library to get involved and support Refugee Week!
We would like to invite you to join us in celebrating Refugee Week by creating a space in your library dedicated to refugee related literature, films and/or music.
We have compiled a list of books, written by or about refugees and to draw attention to the ‘refugee space’ in your library, we have available copies of the Refugee Week 2010 posters.
There are several other ways that libraries could support Refugee Week – such as inviting authors of refugee related literature or refugee authors to give talks on their work.
For more information please contact Georgia or Lucy on (02) 9211 9333 or email admin@refugeecouncil.org.au
