Why does Refugee Week have a theme?
The Refugee Week theme has a number of important functions:
- It raises awareness of the issues affecting refugees. The theme aims to highlight aspects of the refugee experience and help the broader community to understand what it is like to be a refugee.
- It helps to make Refugee Week a national celebration. The theme provides a focal point for events across Australia, uniting separate activities into a single nationwide celebration.
- It promotes harmony and togetherness. The theme unites individuals, communities and organisations from many different backgrounds behind a common cause. The common theme is a reminder that, regardless of our differences, we all share a common humanity.
- It broadens the impact of Refugee Week. The theme provides a common, cohesive message which can be promoted across the country, helping to maximise the effectiveness of awareness-raising activities.
2023 – 2025 Theme – Finding Freedom
What does it mean to be free?
To live without the fear of war, to have your basic human rights upheld, to live in equality and without the fear of persecution are just some of the examples of what freedom can entail. Every day millions of people across the world embark on dangerous journeys for the sole purpose of finding safety and freedom. From Australia to nations across the globe, settling into a new environment after experiencing the perils of a refugee’s journey can also provide the opportunity to live, to love and to dream.
In 2023, we encourage organisations and individuals to utilise our website for Refugee Week resources and events that will showcase the journey of finding freedom, whether it be through a new home, a new career, finding love or friendships. Let us show compassion and celebrate the resilience that makes up parts of our wider community. For freedom should not be an ask, it should be a way of life.
Past Refugee Week themes
2022: Healing
2021: Unity
2020: Year of Welcome
2019: A World of Stories
2018: #WithRefugees
2015-2017: With courage let us all combine
2012-2014: Restoring Hope
2009-2011: Freedom from Fear
2008: A Place to Call Home
2007: The Voices of Young Refugees
2006: Journeys
2005: Different Past, Shared Future
2004: A Journey of Understanding Towards Hope and Respect
