On June 20, 2026, Hope for Refugees International (HRI) proudly hosted its third annual World Refugee Day Community Rooted Hangout in Toronto, bringing together 180 refugees, asylum seekers, newcomers, service providers, policymakers, community leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, artists, and allies for an afternoon of celebration, reflection, learning, and action.
Held under the theme, Right to Seek Safety, Thriving Together: Building Solidarity and Celebrating Refugee Resilience, the event created a vibrant and welcoming space for participants to celebrate refugee contributions, strengthen community connections, and engage in important conversations about refugee protection, inclusion, and belonging.
Opening the event, Patrick King Mwesigye, Founder and Director of Programs and Advocacy at Hope for Refugees International, reminded participants that the right to seek safety is a universal human right and a shared responsibility."World Refugee Day serves as an important reminder that the right to seek safety is a universal human right and a shared responsibility.
It creates an opportunity for communities, governments, service providers, and civil society to stand together in solidarity with refugees and advocate for policies and systems that uphold dignity, inclusion, and protection," he noted.
Throughout the afternoon, participants explored a bustling community marketplace featuring educational institutions, healthcare providers, employment organizations, financial literacy initiatives, entrepreneurs, and settlement agencies. Organizations including TAIBU Community Health Centre, Women's Health in Women's Hands Community Health Centre, Regent Park Community Health Centre, Canadian College of Healthcare and Pharmaceutics, WCG, and several others shared information and resources designed to support refugee and newcomer integration.
Interactive activities encouraged participants to connect and learn from one another. Community bingo, networking sessions, reflection circles, and a community reflection wall provided opportunities for participants to explore what it means to seek safety, thrive together, and build communities where refugees are welcomed, valued, and empowered to belong.
Many participants emphasized that seeking safety goes beyond physical protection. It includes emotional well-being, access to housing, employment, healthcare, education, family reunification, and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society. Others highlighted the critical role of refugee-led organizations in creating culturally responsive and welcoming spaces where newcomers feel understood and supported.
A major highlight of the day was the World Refugee Day Community Dialogue and Panel Discussion titled Right to Seek Safety, Thriving Together: Refugee Protection, Inclusion, and the Future We Must Build.
The panel explored the central question: What does it actually mean to thrive when refugee protection systems themselves are under pressure?
Panelists included Dr. Vanessa Redditt of Crossroads Refugee Clinic and the No Cuts to Care Coalition, Onar Usar of OCASI's Positive Spaces Initiative, Rabab Al-Khatib of Rainbow Railroad, and Temitope Olawale of Hope for Refugees International.
The discussion addressed emerging challenges affecting refugees and asylum seekers, including healthcare access, housing affordability, mental health pressures, immigration uncertainty, and growing anti-refugee narratives. Panelists also highlighted practical solutions, including stronger investments in refugee-led organizations, inclusive settlement systems, affirming services, and community-driven responses.
Participants also learned about the Canadian Council for Refugees' "We're Better Together" campaign, which seeks to counter misinformation and promote a positive vision of immigration and refugee inclusion in Canada.
The event concluded with live music, dance, community performances, and a shared meal, creating opportunities for participants to continue conversations, build relationships, and celebrate together.
As global displacement continues to rise and refugee protection systems face increasing pressure, the World Refugee Day Community Rooted Hangout served as a powerful reminder that refugees are not merely recipients of support. They are leaders, workers, artists, entrepreneurs, neighbours, and community builders whose contributions enrich and strengthen our communities every day.
Through solidarity, inclusion, and collective action, we can build communities where everyone has the opportunity not only to seek safety, but also to thrive.