London ( UK ): A Refugee fair was held in the Church of the Ascension in Wembley with school children from the locally based Newman College. The College has a high ratio of refugee children and is very supportive to the children and their families.
Reflection messages were given each day in the English, Hindi and Tamil morning classes at Global Cooperation House(GCH). These highlighted the conditions that the refugee has to deal with;
Seven Challenges Faced by People Seeking Sanctuary
· Belonging in the Face of Indifference
· Safety amidst Violence
· Identity beyond Stereotypes
· Stability in the Face of Injustice
· Freedom from Oppression
· Security in the Face of Trauma
· Hope in Times of Grief
The purpose for our student base is to raise awareness on the plight of the refugee.
On Tuesday afternoon 20th June, the monthly Interfaith Vigil for World Peace in the GCH quiet room was focused on those seeking sanctuary and members from the local interfaith community attended.
This day was also designated by the United Nations as World Refugee Day.
Tuesday evening Brahma Kuma attended a literary festival titled ‘No Place like Home’ held at St. Martins in the Field in Trafalgar Square. http://www.sanctuaryfoundation.org.uk
Present were refugees who had written about their epic journeys to the UK. These authors from Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine shared very moving stories. A high profile woman journalist spoke of the need to highlight the fate of women in war torn countries.
Many events by different refugee agencies within Brent were held throughout the week. Brent has a good record of supporting those looking for sanctuary within the Borough.
Some interesting facts provided by the Strategy Lead – Policy for Brent Council Communities and Regeneration Team
Ukrainian nationals (Homes for Ukraine scheme)
Total Ukrainians arrived in Brent and reported to us: 339
Total Children: 68
Total Hosts: 140
Syrian and Afghan Refugees
The Council is currently providing support through the following schemes:
The UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS) – previously called the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS). This is the Syrian refugee scheme which includes providing integration support to beneficiaries for 5 years, depending on the needs.
The Council supports those arriving from bridging hotels and coming under the Find Your Own Accommodation Pathway. There are three different pathways with eligible people prioritized and referred for resettlement to the UK through one of these referral pathways – support for our Syrian cohort is ending soon and all families have been transitioned.
Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS)/Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) – launched in April 2021, this is for Afghan citizens who worked for or with the UK Government in Afghanistan. Funding is provided by the Home Office for 3 years.
The City of Sanctuary ( Faith Stream) Award given to us for three years in June 2022, encourages us to offer the inner sanctuary through our courses to the refugee who comes to our doors looking with hope for a stable and positive future.