Established by the United Nations in 2001 to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, World Refugee Day is an invitation to recognize the courage, resilience, and talents of millions of people who have been forced to rebuild their lives far from home.

At a time when hostile rhetoric is on the rise and migration policies are hardening in many countries, this day serves as a reminder of a reality that is often forgotten: refugees are, above all, neighbors, colleagues, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, students, and citizens who participate fully in our communities.

Throughout the SINGA network, this week is an opportunity to highlight these stories, foster connections, and celebrate what unites us

The SINGA network’s event calendar

Bordeaux : a big community celebration in the heart of the city

On June 19, SINGA Bordeaux will participate in a major event organized in collaboration with Unicité, La Manuco, and several partner organizations. The program includes a panel discussion titled “Women in Migration: From Departure to Inclusion,” stories of exile, a market featuring entrepreneurs and artists from the SINGA community, activities for children, music, dance, and street art.

Practical Information

• 📍 Location : La Manuco, 15 rue de Causserouge, 33000 Bordeaux
• 🕐 Time : 6:30 PM – 11:30 PM
• 🎟️ Registration : Free entry, no registration required

Brussels : celebrating together at the Petit Château

In Brussels, SINGA will participate in an event held at the Petit Château alongside several partner organizations. An afternoon dedicated to connecting with others, featuring activities, discussions, and a friendly atmosphere.

Practical Information

• 📍 Location : Petit Château, Brussels
• 🕐 Time : 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• 🎟️ Registration : Free entry, no registration required

Lille : events throughout the month of June

In Lille, several events are being organized to mark World Refugee Day, with the aim of fostering connections and highlighting local initiatives promoting inclusion.

June 20 – Participation in a roundtable discussion organized as part of the Refugee Food Festival, focusing on building connections between local residents and new arrivals.

June 23 – SINGA will be present at the community fair organized by France Horizon for World Refugee Day.

Practical Information

📍 Locations :

• Bazaar St-So (Refugee Food Festival roundtable)
• Gare Saint Sauveur, 17 boulevard Jean-Baptiste Lebas, Lille (community fair)

🕐 Times :

• June 20 : roundtable at 11 a.m.
• June 23 : starting at 5:30 p.m.

🎟️ Registration : Free entry, no registration required

Lyon : discover the city’s rich history through its cuisine

In Lyon, SINGA is co-organizing an event on June 19, 2026, dedicated to World Refugee Day. Carried by 13 committed associations and organizations, this festive, free event, open to everyone, will celebrate hospitality, solidarity, and diversity through times of connection, sharing, and celebration.

The celebrations will continue on June 20 and 27 with two Food Tours organized in partnership with the Refugee Food Festival. These culinary tours will invite participants to discover Lyon-based establishments run by refugee entrepreneurs and to explore the richness of cultures through gastronomy.

Practical Information – World Refugee Day

📍 Location : Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, Lyon
🕐 Time : 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
🎟️ Registration : Free entry, no registration required

Practical Information – Food Tours

Saturday, June 20, 2026
📍 Location : Departure from Place Voltaire, Lyon 3
🕐 Time : 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
🎟️ Registration : Click here to book your spot >

Saturday, June 27, 2026
📍 Location : Departure from Place Voltaire, Lyon 3
🕐 Time : 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
🎟️ Registration :  Click here to book your spot >

Marseille : A week of collective mobilization

In Marseille, the celebrations start on June 17 at La Friche Belle de Mai, in partnership with a group of local organizations. Food stalls, screenings, and artistic activities will line up for this day of awareness-raising and exchanges around migration journeys and inclusion.

On June 20, a Food Tour organized in collaboration with the Refugee Food Festival will invite participants to discover several restaurants founded by newcomer entrepreneurs, sample their specialties, and chat with the people behind these projects.

Practical Information – Marseille Refugee Day

• 📍 Location : Friche Belle de Mai
• 🕐 Time : 2:00 PM to 8:30 PM
• 🎟️ Registration : Free entry, no registration required

Practical Information – Food Tour

📍 Location : Marseille
🕐 Time : 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM
🎟️ Registration : Click here to book your spot >

Nantes : discover the city in a new way through flavors from around the world

To mark World Refugee Day, SINGA Nantes is organizing the second edition of its Food Tour in the République neighborhood. On June 27, a dozen participants will set out to meet women entrepreneurs with inspiring stories through three culinary stops and five tastings.

Much more than a gourmet stroll, this Food Tour is an invitation to discover Nantes through the stories, cultures, and flavors of those who help bring the city to life differently.

Practical Information

• 📍 Location : République neighborhood, Nantes (start at the Fair~e restaurant, 105 boulevard de la Prairie au Duc)
• 🕦 Time : 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
• 🎟️ Registration : Click here to book your spot >

🌱 Vegetarian options available

Paris : four events to celebrate inclusion

To mark World Refugee Day, Paris is hosting several events open to everyone : a career fair, community gatherings, a cultural festival, and celebrations centered on sports and diversity.

Refugee career’s insertion fair

• 📍Location : Maison des Réfugiés
• 📅Date : June 18
• 🕦Time : 1:00 PM–5:30 PM
• Click here for more information >

Celebration Day with SINGA, J’accueille, and OC-R

• 📍Location : Wikivillage
• 📅Date : June 19
• 🕦Time : 12:00 PM–9:00 PM
• 🎟️Registration : Click here to book your spot >

Festival Soleil Commun – A thousand stories under one sky

• 📅Date : June 20
• 📍Location : La Roche cultural hub, in the former La Rochefoucauld hospital (14th arrondissement)
• 🕦Time : 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• 🎟️Registration : Click here to book your spot >

Special Day : Together through sports, proud of our diversity

• 📍Location : Maison des Réfugiés
• 📅Date : June 20
• 🕦Time : 3:00 PM–9:00 PM
• Click here for more information >

Quebec : cinema, culture, and heritage

On June 20, SINGA Québec is hosting an evening featuring the film Ru, an adaptation of the novel by Vietnamese author Kim Thúy. The screening will be preceded by a Vietnamese buffet and a musical performance, followed by a discussion with the author.

Practical Information

• 📍 Location : 2275 Bd Saint-Joseph E, Montreal, QC H2H 1G4
• 🕐 Time : 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• 🎟️ Registration : Click here to book your spot >

Strasbourg : running together to build connection

As part of the Refugee Week, SINGA Strasbourg will participate in the Strasbourg Urban Trail on June 14, 2026, alongside the Kabubu association, which promotes social integration through sports, and the Les 42 association. This 6-kilometer race in pairs will bring together members of the SINGA community, entrepreneurs supported by the association and young people on a path to reintegration. A sports and friendly event, open to everyone, to encourage connections and build relationships through physical activity.

Practical Information

📍 Location : Strasbourg
📅 Date : Sunday, June 14, 2026
🕐 Time : Morning
🎟️ Registration : Free entry, no registration required

Toulouse : make voices beyond boarders being heard

On June 20, SINGA Toulouse will participate in the community village held at the Théâtre du Pavé as part of the “Voix sans frontières” (Voices Without Borders) event, organized by the “Collectif Réfugiés Intégration” (CRI) and the “Art en Acte” association. Throughout the afternoon, the public will have the opportunity to meet with the participating organizations, take part in activities, and enjoy a welcoming space with a snack bar. The day will also feature two performances scheduled for 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

Practical Information

• 📍 Location : Théâtre du Pavé, Toulouse
• 🕐 Times : Community village from 2 PM to 7 PM (shows at 5 PM and 9 PM)
• 🎟️ Registration : Free entry, no registration required

Coming together to build more inclusive societies

While the formats may vary from city to city, all these events share the same goal: to create opportunities for people to come together.

Because behind the numbers, debates, and speeches, it is human connections that give us the chance to build more open, supportive, and inclusive societies. On this World Refugee Day, we invite you to join us across the SINGA network to celebrate what brings us closer.