Refugee Welcome Week
Radical hope rooted in resilience and social justice.

Spaces of connection with storytelling, art, music, food, and workshops.

Rooting Refugee Welcome Week in radical hope means rejecting passive optimism and embracing hope as an act of defiance.

Radical hope is a profound act of defiance against systems of oppression. It is the ability to not only imagine but to actively work towards justice, especially in the face of increasing systemic violence and exclusion.

A week long program that ends with a united march.

We need a powerful, collective movement that uplifts refugees as active leaders and unites communities in solidarity and resistance. Together, we will challenge hate, oppose harmful policies, and push back against the global apartheid system—a structure of borders, citizenship, and mobility restrictions that privilege some while marginalizing refugees, migrants, and displaced people.

The week will culminate in a united march on 21st of June: a collective act of radical hope, demanding justice, dignity, and freedom of movement for all.

Reclaiming Refugees Welcome

The phrase 'refugee welcome' has become increasingly politicized due to the rise of xenophobic ideologies. As a result, expressing solidarity with refugees has transformed into a controversial political act. While this could theoretically lead to an increase in voices of solidarity, in practice we often see the opposite effect: People who wish to welcome refugees feel intimidated or hesitant to speak out openly, resulting in a decrease in audible expressions of support.

Four pathways that embody radical hope.

Awareness & Critical Reflection

Cultural Celebration & Identity Reclamation

Radical Imagination & Future-Building

Community Action

Collaborate with us by organising your own event!

Here's how it works:

We connect passionate individuals and groups with venues, funders, programmers, and resources to create impactful events across the Netherlands.

Programming Support

  • Refugees’ and allies’ advice on crafting engaging discussions
  • Assistance in identifying and inviting relevant speakers
  • Guidance on highlighting key themes aligned with our theme: Radical Hope

Venue Connections

  • Match you with suitable venues in Amsterdam based on your event's needs
  • Our network includes a diverse range of spaces, from intimate galleries to larger performance halls

Amplification

  • Your event will be featured as part of the official RWW 2025 program
  • Promotion through our RWW channels, including website, social media, and press releases