Refugee Week 2025 – on 17th June, Queen’s University Belfast celebrated its achievement on becoming a University of Sanctuary. with a welcome from the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer, a panel discussion, a keynote speech from the Chair of Places of Sanctuary Ireland, Dr Veronica Crosbie and music by Donna Nalongo, vocal and drums. There’s no one like Donna to get people on to their feet and dancing in the aisles. Sir Ian was relishing dancing with our friend Siobhan Brown who expertly held the whole event together. Thanks, Siobhan!

This was a beautiful and warm occasion, and so those closely associated with process, emotional too.

As always, thanks to Dr Federico Ferrieri and Dr Maurice Macartney for their steadfast commitment in ensuring that Queen’s has successfully become a University of Sanctuary. That commitment is very publically on display in the entrance porch to the University.

As always, thanks must go to our Coordinator, Israel Eguaogie and our Chair Mehrshad Esfandiari for their constant support throughout the years and during this busy Refugee Week.