Refugee Sunday
Bringing refugees and volunteers together
People who need to flee their home countries due to violence and persecution receive protection in Switzerland. The National Refugee Sunday recognizes the refugees’ fates and courage. The occasion takes place each year on the third weekend of June. It is a day of reflection, while also involving events meant to draw attention to the concerns and rights of the refugees.
Annual motto
The Swiss Refugee Council has been organizing the National Refugee Day since 1980 with an different motto each year. It is accompanied by a broad publicity campaign. The churches and the Jewish community apply this motto to present a joint appeal for Refugee Sunday and Refugee Shabbat. HEKS/EPER provides materials to this end.
The role of the churches on Refugee Sunday
Refugee Sunday entails an opportunity for church congregations to dedicate their worship services to people who have had to leave their homelands to seek protection here in Switzerland. They are able to invite refugees to events so that they can meet parish members, call upon members to support them in solidarity, and dedicate collections and part of their budget towards work with refugees.