Scottish Refugee Council

20/06/2026

For World Refugee Day, we're marking the day by sharing the stories of our Refugee Festival Ambassadors: people from Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza, Nigeria and beyond, who have rebuilt their lives in Scotland and are now raising their voices for others.

Their stories remind us what it really means to seek safety and challenge the headlines that so often miss the truth. As Wahib, who fled war in Sudan, puts it: "Sharing the truth is one of the most important ways to challenge prejudice and build understanding."

Behind every refugee is a lifetime of experience, skill and humanity. As Nataliya, who fled Ukraine in 2022, writes: "Refugees are not simply people who have escaped danger. They are people who are rebuilding their lives with extraordinary courage."

This World Refugee Day, we invite you to read their stories and stand with refugees across Scotland.

Read their stories here: https://scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/world-refugee-day-2026-meet-our-festival-ambassadors/

Thank you to Open Aye for the photos of our Festival Ambassadors!

18/06/2026

World Refugee Day is this weekend and the perfect moment to come together in celebration of community and creativity. With over 70 events taking place across the country in the final weekend of Refugee Festival Scotland, there’s still loads to enjoy.

See what’s on: https://www.refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk/events/

17/06/2026

We’re halfway through the festival now!

We had an amazing time at the art exhibition opening at Civic House, featuring new work by Iman Tajik, Alena Bezushko and Nii Sackey Vanderpuye, and spanning sculpture, video, photography and oil painting.

The exhibition runs until 21 June and will be open from 11am-6pm. It’s free and no booking is required.

We still have plenty of events on for the rest of the week! Find out more: https://www.refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk/events

15/06/2026

What an amazing opening weekend for Refugee Festival Scotland 2026!

At the start of last week, we saw the human cost of toxic rhetoric and scapegoating. By the end of the week, thousands of people came out in solidarity with refugees.

This weekend, we launched the festival at the Hidden Gardens, stood in solidarity against racism, and screened Everybody to Kenmure Street. Alongside the 50 other events held this weekend, we showed that Scotland welcomes refugees.

We have loads more to come until 21 June! See what’s on: https://www.refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk/events/

Photo credit: Jayne Forbes

12/06/2026

Refugee Festival Scotland 2026 is here! This beautiful front cover was created by Nii Sackey Vanderpuye and Anupa Joshy, who also designed this year's Refugee Festival Scotland Poster.

At times like this, standing in solidarity with refugees is more important than ever. This festival does just that!

Tomorrow's front page 📰

Refugees are woven into Scotland

11/06/2026

Now is the time to come together and stand in solidarity with refugees. With over 150 events, Refugee Festival Scotland is the perfect opportunity to do just that.

The festival starts tomorrow! Join us in bringing communities together.

All events are free or ticketed on a sliding scale, with free entry options for refugees and people in the asylum system.

Find events near you: https://www.refugeefestivalscotland.co.uk/events/

10/06/2026

Our Chief Executive, Sabir Zazai, has issued a statement in response to violent and intimidating anti-migrant protests which have taken place across Scotland:

"We stand in solidarity with everyone who has been affected by the deeply disturbing events across central Scotland last night.

Words have consequences. We are seeing in real time the human cost of irresponsible language being deliberately used by some politicians, in our headlines and on social media to whip up fear and hatred.

Harmful narratives are being peddled as facts. This is resulting in violence on our streets and people being targeted because of the colour of their skin.

Our thoughts are with everyone who has been made to feel unsafe or unwelcome. Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. We need to see real and sustained leadership from our political leaders which is more than just warm words.

We need an active commitment to bring communities together and call out racism and misinformation when it is seen and heard.

The toxic rhetoric and use of falsehoods to scapegoat people seeking safety needs to stop. People seeking protection are not a problem needing to be solved – it is the systemic failures in housing, cost of living and the immigration system that need to be fixed."

09/06/2026

Get ready for a weekend of creativity, community and celebration! From family fun days to thought-provoking exhibitions, there’s something for everyone. Here is just a taste of what’s happening this weekend:

Get ready for a weekend of creativity, community and celebration! From family fun days to thought-provoking exhibitions, there’s something for everyone. Here is just a taste of what’s happening over the next few days: 1. Festival Launch When: Friday 12 June, 4-7pm  Where: The Hidden Gardens,...

08/06/2026

Refugee Festival Scotland starts this week! With over 150 events happening across Scotland, there's something for everyone.

05/06/2026

We’ve just announced the shortlist for this year’s Media Awards! The awards celebrate outstanding coverage of issues around forced migration and its impact on individuals and communities.

In an increasingly polarised world, accurate, responsible reporting on refugee and asylum issues has never been more important. Scottish Refugee Council is delighted to honour the work of journalists in Scotland covering refugee and asylum issues with care and integrity.

Sabir Zazai, chief executive of Scottish Refugee Council, said: “It is so important to acknowledge the journalists who are focused on truth, storytelling and humanity. It is clearer than ever that the language we use matters, and that misinformation is divisive and dangerous.

“This year’s nominees have told stories of resilience, community, fear, despair and hope. They have cut through harmful narratives, held decision-makers to account and amplified the voices of people seeking refugee protection. They have used their impressive skillsets to unflinchingly reflect the realities for many in Scotland today. We look forward to working alongside journalists in the coming months and years to continue this vital work.”

Read more: https://scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk/media-awards-shortlist/