Each June, Australians gather to celebrate Refugee Week and honour those who have found safety. It must not overlook those who remain trapped in suffering.

As Refugee Week (14 to 20 June 2026) begins across Australia, communities will gather to share meals, attend concerts, hear refugee stories and celebrate the many contributions refugees have made to Australian society – and we should.

Refugees have enriched our communities, strengthened our institutions and contributed to Australia’s social, economic and cultural life in countless ways. Their stories of resilience, courage and rebuilding deserve to be recognised and honoured.

However, if Refugee Week becomes only a celebration of successful settlement, we risk overlooking those who remain displaced, trapped and waiting. This is not another ‘Harmony Week’. The aims of Refugee Week include educating the public about who refugees are and the challenges they face, encouraging communities to provide safe and welcoming environments and inspiring action for refugees, people seeking asylum and displaced people both........

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