Chief Commissioner emphasises that human rights are for everyone on World Refugee Day

On World Refugee Day, which falls during Refugee Week 2025, the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is emphasising that human rights are for everyone, regardless of their race, nationality or immigration status. The Commission has also expressed its deep concern at the recent violence directed at people from minority ethnic backgrounds across Northern Ireland.

Chief Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick said:

“We are delighted to support Refugee Week 2025. This year’s theme is ‘Community as a Superpower’, which emphasises the importance of bringing people together, celebrating diverse communities and their contributions to society, and protecting their rights. We condemn all racist acts as violations on the human rights of people within our communities.

Refugees, asylum seekers and other displaced persons are entitled to the same human rights protections as everyone else, including the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution; the right to health; the right to an adequate standard of living; the right to equality and non-discrimination; freedom from slavery; and freedom from torture, inhuman and degrading treatment.

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission is committed to raising awareness of and resolving human rights issues affecting refugees, asylum seekers and displaced persons.

We wish everyone a wonderful Refugee Week 2025 and look forward to celebrating the diversity and important contributions of refugees, asylum seekers and displaced persons to Northern Ireland, including at the Great Refugee Week Picnic on 21^st June.”

ENDS

Additional information

• The NI Human Rights Commission is a statutory public body established in 1999 to promote and protect human rights. In accordance with the Paris Principles, the Commission reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of measures undertaken by the UK Government to promote and protect human rights, specifically within Northern Ireland.
• Refugee Week 2025 will run 16 June – 22 June. It takes place each year to honour refugees and appreciate the contributions, creativity, and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. You can find out more about Refugee Week events in Northern Ireland here: https://refugeeweek.org.uk/
• The Great Refugee Week Picnic is organised by Belfast City of Sanctuary and has been an annual event since 2017. It falls on Saturday 21^st June 2025. For more information, visit: https://belfast.cityofsanctuary.org/2025/06/04/the-great-refugee-week-picnic-2025-saturday-21st-june