On June 18th, 2025, Toronto witnessed a remarkable gathering—one that was powerful, joyful, healing, and deeply rooted in community. Over 120 refugees, newcomers, asylum seekers, policy makers, health and social service providers, artists, LGBTQI+ rights activists, and refugee justice advocates came together for the Pre-World Refugee Day Community Celebration, hosted by Hope for Refugees International and its partners Uplift Black, The 519, Matthew House, Access Alliance, Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto, The Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA), The Neighbourhood Group (Rainbow Connect), Metropolitan Community Church, Black CAP and the Tanzanian Women’s Association in Canada
The theme of this year’s celebration, “Together We Thrive: Building Solidarity and Celebrating Refugee Resilience, Culture, and Community”, could not have been more timely or urgent.
Why World Refugee Day Matters Now More Than Ever
Each year, World Refugee Day, commemorated globally on June 20th, provides a moment to honor the strength, resilience, and courage of refugees worldwide. But more than that, it is a global call to action.
In 2025, we are facing record levels of forced displacement, with millions fleeing war, persecution, climate disasters, and systemic oppression. Refugee protection systems are being overwhelmed, and instead of opening arms, many governments are closing borders, rolling back protections, and introducing restrictive asylum policies. LGBTQI+ refugees, in particular, are bearing the brunt of this backlash, targeted by far-right ideologies, excluded by host communities, and subjected to ongoing violence and discrimination even in places meant to offer safety.
In Canada, Black refugees and asylum seekers still face racism, housing insecurity, precarious immigration status, barriers to employment, education, and healthcare, challenges worsened by cultural stigma and systemic inequality.
This is why World Refugee Day is not just symbolic—it’s strategic. It is a platform to demand change, highlight injustices, and build a more inclusive future.
A Celebration Rooted in Healing, Art, and Solidarity
The Pre-World Refugee Day Celebration was a multi-sensory and emotionally rich experience. The day began with a gentle wellness session, centering mindfulness, healing, and reflection, acknowledging the trauma that so many refugees carry, while nurturing space for peace.
Participants then entered a vibrant, creative space, where painting, art-making, and joyful expression took center stage. These were not just activities—they were acts of reclaiming voice, restoring dignity, and building community through creativity.
A powerful panel discussion, “From Surviving to Thriving: Refugee Leadership, Belonging, and Community Power”, brought forward lived experiences and bold ideas. Refugee leaders and advocates spoke not just of the barriers they face—but of the ways they are organizing, leading, healing, and thriving.
We heard resounding messages of support from community champions and policy makers, standing in solidarity with refugee communities and calling for more inclusive policies and systems.
Honouring Trailblazers: The Inaugural Ubuntu Awards of Honor
One of the most moving moments of the event was the presentation of the inaugural Ubuntu Awards of Honor, created to recognize individuals and organizations who embody the African philosophy of Ubuntu: “I am because we are.”
These awards celebrate those who are actively advancing refugee rights, housing justice, health equity, and LGBTQI+ empowerment—those building communities of care and inclusion.
Ubuntu Award of Honor and Excellence
– Mayor Olivia Chow
– Nneka Otogbolu, Foundation for Black Communities
Ubuntu Award for Refugee Advocacy & Housing Justice
– MPP Alexa Gilmour
– Pastor Eddie Jjumba
– Kizito Musabimana, RCHC & African Canadian Collective
– Pastor Judith James, The Beautiful Foundation
Ubuntu Afya na Heshima (Health and Dignity) Award
– Crossroads Clinic, Women’s College Hospital
Ubuntu Award for LGBTQI+ Refugee Empowerment
– The 519
Ubuntu Award for Holistic Community Empowerment
– Toronto People With AIDS Foundation (PWA)
These recipients are not only allies—they are co-builders of a better world, where every refugee is seen, heard, and supported.
Call to Action: This Is Just the Beginning
The spirit of the day was not just celebration—it was mobilization.
World Refugee Day is a reminder that refugees are not a burden—they are leaders, artists, parents, workers, and community builders. They bring strength, culture, and resilience to every space they enter.
But for them to thrive, we must do more than recognize—we must act:
- Challenge xenophobia, racism, and anti-refugee rhetoric wherever you encounter it.
- Support organizations led by and for refugees, especially those serving Black, LGBTQI+, and other marginalized groups.
- Push for inclusive policies that reflect refugee voices at every level—local, provincial, and national.
- Vote, donate, show up, amplify, and advocate.
Let us build a Canada—and a world—where refugees not only survive but thrive.
Together, in the spirit of Ubuntu, we will continue to amplify refugee voices, foster belonging, and build communities rooted in equity, dignity, and shared humanity.