Refugee Week 2025
Established in 1998 in the UK, Refugee Week takes place every year around World Refugee Day (20th June) and has since grown into a global movement. Refugee Week has evolved into an international movement, with events spanning the globe.
Refugee Week 2025, taking place from 16–22 June, invites us all to celebrate “Community as a Superpower”—a timely reminder of how kindness, connection, and solidarity can reshape lives. In recognition of this powerful theme, the library has curated a reading list to help deepen understanding of forced migration. We’ve also organised a book display in the Main Library, for a selection of titles around forced migration.
From first-hand stories to legal analysis and community reflections, these readings explore what it means to seek refuge and to build belonging. Whether you’re new to the topic or looking to engage more deeply, there’s something for everyone.
KEY THEMES AND SELECTED TITLES
1- Refugee Rights Are Human Rights
These books provide essential context on the legal protections and challenges faced by refugees:
The Rights of Refugees under International Law by James C. Hathaway (2021)
Borderline Justice: The Fight for Refugee and Migrant Rights by Frances Webber (2012)
The Human Rights of Non-Citizens by David S. Weissbrodt (2008)
2- Understanding Refugee Journeys
Learn more about the global forces and personal experiences behind migration:
The Age of Migration by Hein de Haas, Stephen Castles & Mark J. Miller (2020)
Dangerous Sanctuaries by Sarah Kenyon Lischer (2005)
The New Odyssey: The Story of Europe’s Refugee Crisis by Patrick Kingsley (2017)
Seeking Asylum by Alison Mountz (2010)
3- Films and Podcasts, Fiction and Facts
The list also includes recommended fiction, primary source materials, and multimedia suggestions—bringing to life the voices and stories behind the headlines.
Please see the University Sanctuary page for more information about the university’s work around Sanctuary.
You can also find out about the upcoming ‘Rewrite the future with refugee tales’ event here. Taking place on Sunday 22nd June, there will be a Refugee Tales walk beginning at Craigtoun Country Park and ending at the Wardlaw Museum. Held during Refugee Week, this walk continues the work of Refugee Tales and Professor David Herd, highlighted in the Rewrite the Future exhibition.