Refugee Week 2026
The Many Faces of Courage
Courage is the theme of Refugee Week 2026. We have seen an abundance of courage this last week.
All too often, public discussions about refugees focus on numbers, policies, media and deadlines and fail to recognise that each refugee is a person with skills, knowledge, aspirations and dreams. Refugee Week affords an opportunity to reflect on what truly matters: the people affected. On their stories, their strength and the communities that have welcomed them with open arms.
Courage is shown by the people seeking sanctuary. A person seeking sanctuary has survived situations most of us could barely imagine – having fled war, violence and persecution. Rebuilding a life in a new place and finding belonging while carrying the heavy weight of trauma requires an extraordinary measure of strength.
Courage is also shown by communities that continue to welcome refugees with open arms. We have witnessed extraordinary courage across Northern Ireland this last week, when individuals, organisations, and volunteers stepped forward to support people affected by hate and intimidation by offering practical help, challenging misinformation and showing solidarity with those under attack.
This weekend saw thousands of people gather in Belfast and Derry. These powerful acts of solidarity demonstrate that hate does not speak for Northern Ireland. The strength in numbers also reminds us that solidarity requires action. This means challenging stereotypes, standing up to hate and calling for strong political leadership and a robust response from Stormont.
Northern Ireland’s racial equality framework and legislation remain significantly underdeveloped. Existing protections have fallen behind those available elsewhere. Reform is urgently needed to strengthen protections, improve accountability, and ensure that everyone can participate fully in society, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or nationality. Law Centre NI and our colleagues across the anti-racism sector are calling on Stormont to deliver concrete action. In short, Stormont must prioritise legal protections for racially minoritised people.
During Refugee Week, we reflect on the importance of international human rights law which enshrines the right to seek asylum and affirms the rights of refugees to live in dignity. The majority of people in Northern Ireland support refugees and share a vision of a Northern Ireland where everyone can live safely and free from fear.
Courage is about standing up for others, speaking out against injustice and working together to create lasting change. Refugee Week offers us an opportunity not only to celebrate courage but also to channel it into stronger protections, greater inclusion, and a renewed commitment to equality for all.
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