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In Pictures: Queen’s Marks Refugee Week 2025

Queen’s University Belfast marked Refugee Week 2025 (16-22 June) with a meaningful programme of events bringing together staff, students, and members of the wider community to learn, reflect, and celebrate the contributions of refugees.

10 QUB Staff and student's union members standing in front of a decorative fireplace in a wood panled hall, with the two people in the middle holding the University of Sanctuary certificate

Throughout the week, Queen’s partnered with community organisations, advocacy groups and civic partners to deliver a meaningful series of events that reflect its commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all.

To launch the series of events, Queen’s hosted a special screening of Northern Ireland Now: Contemporary Collecting on Monday, 16 June. This collaborative project between the BFI, the Nerve Centre, and Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive celebrates inclusion by amplifying underrepresented voices and creating a living archive that reflects the rich diversity of Northern Ireland’s communities today.

The event featured a curated selection of short films from community participants from Phase 1 of the Northern Ireland Now Project, followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion with representatives from several community groups.

Four females sitting down in red chairs in a fireside chat orientation with a female sign interpreter

As part of the week-long activities, the University proudly celebrated its newly awarded University of Sanctuary status with a special celebration event. The event featured an engaging panel discussion with key internal and external contributors who reflected on Queen’s journey to becoming a University of Sanctuary, highlighting the collaborative efforts behind this achievement and its positive impact on the wider community.
Queen's staff and students standing outside the Lanyon Building celebrating the University's newly awarded Sanctuary Status

Staff and students celebrate the University's newly awarded Sanctuary Status

During the event, a short film was screened to honour the dedication of Queen’s staff, internal networks, external partners, and supporters, followed by the formal presentation of the University of Sanctuary certificate and the heartfelt gift of the beautiful artwork Our Home from Belfast City of Sanctuary.

Group of mixed race, gender aged people standing at the front of a large wood paneled room in front of a picture of Northern Ireland featuring signatures and messages.

Seated lady singing and playing traditional african site bongo drums

Group of smiling mixed race, age, gender people singing and dancing on a raised dais at the front of a large wood paneled room

A Big Sanctuary Information Fair was also held throughout Refugee Week, bringing together a wide range of organisations - including the Housing Executive, Staffline, Radius Housing, the Law Centre NI, and many others - offering vital information, advice, and support to staff and students from migrant, ethnic-minority, refugee, and asylum-seeking backgrounds.

Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University, shaking hands with an external guest at the 2025 Refugee Week event.

Two women smiling at the Big Sanctuary Information Fair

Two ladies sitting in front of an information stand from the Law centre NI on migration justice

Find out more

Find out more about Queen's University Belfast's path to Sanctuary on the University website here. 

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