World Refugee Day 2022

World Refugee Day 2022

Together We Heal, Learn and Shine

18 June 2022, Saturday | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | YouTube

On the occasion of the World Refugee Day Set Them Free brought together youth advocates each with a unique resilience prevailed by different forms of arts. The event showcased performances by talented young individuals, many of whom are refugees themselves. Moderated by Gokce Ak, the youth speakers shared their personal stories, experiences of forced migration from their home countries, and the challenges they have faced in their new environments. Through music and poetry, they expressed their struggles and hopes, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding towards refugees. The event also highlights the need for community support and the power of art in bridging cultural divides for the empowerment of young refugees to have a sense of belonging in their new beginning.

Key Insights of the Event: 

• Understanding Refugee Experiences: The event emphasized the significance of recognizing the individual stories behind the refugee crisis. Each refugee has a unique journey shaped by personal experiences of loss, resilience, and hope. This understanding fosters empathy and encourages communities to provide necessary support.
• The Power of Art: Music and poetry are powerful tools for expressing complex emotions and experiences. The performers used their art to share their stories, making their struggles relatable and inspiring to the audience. This highlights the role of creativity in healing and advocacy.
• Integration Challenges: Refugees often face significant challenges when adapting to a new culture, including language barriers, social isolation, and discrimination. The performers shared their experiences, shedding light on the need for tailored support systems to facilitate smoother integration into society.
• Breaking Stereotypes: The discussion challenged preconceived notions about refugees by showcasing their talents and aspirations. By humanizing refugees through personal stories and artistic expression, it countered negative stereotypes and promoted a more nuanced understanding of their experiences.
• Empowerment through Education: Many of the young refugees expressed a strong desire for education as a means to build a better future. Their stories emphasized the importance of access to education and the opportunities it provides, reinforcing the idea that education is a critical component in empowering refugees.
• Community Support is Vital: The performers stressed the importance of community support in their journeys. By sharing their stories, they encouraged local communities to take an action, whether through volunteering, advocacy, or simply extending kindness and understanding toward refugees.
• Hope as a Driving Force: Despite the challenges they face, the performers consistently highlighted hope as a central theme in their narratives. This underscored the resilience of the human spirit and the belief that, despite adversity, a brighter future is possible with support and determination.

This virtual gathering was a poignant reminder of the refugee experience, filled with inspiring stories of resilience, creativity, and the power of community. The youth performances were not only entertaining but also served as a call to action for society to embrace and support those who have been displaced. By fostering understanding and empathy, Set Them Free hopes to create a more inclusive world where everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive.