Refugee Week: Courage, Community and Conversation

Refugee Week: Courage, Community and Conversation is a public engagement event organised by York’s Migration Network (MigNet) as part of Refugee Week 2026.

This event brings together a range of refugee-support organisations, community groups, researchers, students, and members of the public. The aim is to foster dialogue, strengthen networks, and create new opportunities for collaboration between those working with and alongside refugees and people seeking asylum. The programme consists of two linked parts: a ‘Connect and Share’ fair, followed by a panel discussion.

• All events will be hosted in the Penn Room at the Friargate Quaker Meeting House.

Part 1: ‘Connect and Share’ Fair

• Time: 10am to 2pm

We’re delighted to be joined by organisations and groups including: Refugee Council, RAY (Refugee Action York), City of Sanctuary UK (York), Anti-Racism Working Group York, Centre for Applied Human Rights (University of York), Cultural Connections (Shamim Eimaan), City of York Council and more.

Activities include:

• information tables/stalls hosted by participating organisations;
• opportunities for networking and community engagement.

The session enables attendees to learn about local support, ongoing initiatives, and opportunities for involvement.

Part 2: Panel Discussion: "Courage and Sanctuary: A York Panel Conversation"

• Time: 3pm to 4pm

A panel discussion exploring themes emerging from Refugee Week, particularly courage in welcoming, supporting, and advocating for people seeking sanctuary. The event bridges community engagement with wider academic and policy conversations.

Speakers:

• Stephen Pittam (York Human Rights City Network) – reflecting on human rights in York and the findings of The State of the City report (published April 2026).
• York Anti-Raids Group – a grassroots community organisation that supports people affected by immigration enforcement and campaigns against immigration raids in York and across North Yorkshire.
• Representatives from City of Sanctuary – discussing support for people seeking sanctuary and the role of local communities in fostering inclusion.
• Jasmin Carrington-Wolf – Immigration and Asylum Legal Adviser, providing insights into the legal and practical challenges facing people seeking asylum.
• Dr Patricia Hamilton (Chair) - Lecturer and Chair of the EDI Committee in the Sociology Department at the University of York