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Working for Change

Working for change

Our work to build a fair and welcoming Scotland for everyone

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Policy and campaigns

We work hard to challenge injustice in the asylum system and in wider society, so that everyone in need of refugee protection can rebuild their lives here with dignity.

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Connecting communities

We work with local authorities, refugee-led groups, and organisations that welcome New Scots to help people connect, collaborate and feel at home in their new communities.

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Arts
and culture

Arts and culture play a powerful role in helping people settle into new communities. Find out about our arts and culture work.

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Show of solidarity on World Refugee Day

Hundreds of people gathered in Glasgow today to mark World Refugee Day and celebrate the launch of Refugee Festival Scotland.

Pauline Diamond Salim of Scottish Refugee Council, organisers of the gathering, said:

“World Refugee Day is a chance to reflect on the growing number of people caught up in conflicts and violence around the world. It’s a day to pay respect to those who have lost their homes and those who have lost their lives as they sought safety.

“It’s also a day to say welcome and to show solidarity and friendship to those who are here in Scotland trying to rebuild their lives.”

World Refugee Day also marks the start of Refugee Festival Scotland. The annual arts and culture festival kicks off today with ten days of events across the country.

More than 100 events will take place across Scotland from in June (20 – 30). From Syrian food to Ethiopian poetry, football to dance, visual art and family days, the festival has something for everyone. Highlights include a public art installation by Berlin-based artist Manaf Halbouni and the UK premiere of work by Edinburgh-based dancer and choreographer Farah Saleh.

The theme of this year’s festival, MAKING ART, MAKING HOME, highlights the creativity and strength required to rebuild a sense of home in an insecure and often hostile environment. This year, around 4000 people sought refugee protection in Scotland, becoming our new neighbours, friends and colleagues.

The festival is coordinated by Scottish Refugee Council, an independent charity that supports people rebuilding their lives in Scotland, and supported by Creative Scotland.


Refugee Festival Scotland runs from 20 – 30 June in venues across Scotland. Full programme listings here: www.refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk

For more info contact Pauline Diamond Salim 07739859872 media@scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk

Refugee Festival Scotland

Refugee Festival Scotland celebrates the richness and diversity of Scotland’s communities. Find out how to take part and get involved.

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Training

Our training courses draw on our 40 years of expertise to help you to do your job better. Book a place on one of our courses today.

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New Scots
Integration Strategy

The New Scots vision is for a welcoming Scotland where refugees and people seeking asylum are able to rebuild their lives from the day they arrive.

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Learning and expertise

We’re committed to sharing our learning and expertise and working collaboratively with others.

Help us make Scotland a more welcoming place for people seeking safety

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