Atrás Refugee Week in Strasbourg

Purpose: In the face of successive global crises, Strasbourg stands out as a welcoming and diverse city, particularly through its recent support for Ukrainian refugees. In this context, the Refugee Week, entitled “From lands of exile to lands of asylum: sharing our stories”, has aimed for five years to change perspectives on forced migration and to deconstruct prejudices. This annual event brings together citizens as well as local, national and international associative and institutional actors to face the challenges of welcoming and integrating exiled people.

Stimulus/Rationale: The City of Strasbourg works daily to welcome and integrate refugees on its territory, thanks to a wide network of actors dedicated to this local commitment and involvement. The City, the “Foyer Notre Dame” association and Stamtish work together to organise the annual Refugee Week, which takes place every June on the occasion of World Refugee Day. Around fifty partners from associations, institutions and companies usually take part in this initiative to raise awareness and provide information on the realities of migration. Thematic sessions highlight different aspects of forced migration, caused by climatic, political, economic and social difficulties in numerous countries. Through sport, art, conferences and workshops, the Refugee Week encourages people to meet and exchange ideas.

Process: With an increasingly varied programme each year, the Refugee Week offers a wide range of activities that bring participants together. Sports tournaments, culinary workshops, conferences and the Umbrella March, symbolising the protection of refugees, provide many opportunities for Strasbourg residents and refugees to meet and share their experiences.

Impact: In 2023, the Refugee Week celebrated its 5th edition, with nine days of festivities aimed at highlighting the breadth and diversity  of migrants’ and refugees’ experiences, and the challenges faced by each refugee. A source of inspiration for concrete actions throughout the year, this annual week now attracts a growing number of citizens and organisations. It has become a major event promoting a more inclusive society, reminding us of the crucial importance of respecting human rights and supporting all refugees, regardless of their origin, gender, sexual orientation, health or age.

Key reference documents:

Every June since 2018
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