June/July 2023 Newsletter
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Dear Friend,
Welcome to our June and July Newsletter. We hope it finds you well.
These past months have been very busy for Bristol City of Sanctuary, with Refugee Week and the changes with the Transport Fund.
We are particularly heartbroken that the government's new Illegal Migration Bill has continued to clamp down on the rights of sanctuary seekers to find safety on our shores. Read on to find out more and what you can do to help.
Susana Askew continues to volunteer as our interim manager for two days a week, her help has been invaluable during this transition period.
Thank you for your continued support as we work towards our mission of creating a culture of welcome and inclusion for people seeking sanctuary in Bristol.
Wishing you all the best,
Bristol City of Sanctuary |
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Building a Culture of Welcome
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Refugee Week in Bristol surpassed all expectations and emerged as a resounding success. From June 12th to 25th, our city was swept up in a whirlwind of vibrant events, captivating entertainment, and thought-provoking discussions, encompassing a wide range of experiences and emotions. The festival ended at Queen Square, where for the first time since 2019 there was a lively celebration with delicious refreshments, global music and a dance line-up.
The Bristol Griot with Master kora player Moussa Kouyate, Nabra the Sudanese oud duo, Tenzin & Family with a Tibetan dance, the Dovetail Orchestra, Grupo de Danza Nicaragua Libre with some Nicaraguan dances, Bahman Salahshour, Village 101, MoYah a Mozambican Afrofusion Rapper and Hélélé a West African dance musician who all enriched the celebration with their infectious energy and rhythm.
The collective support and active participation of our community transformed the celebrations into something truly magical. The air buzzed with an energetic and passionate ambiance, as individuals came together to express solidarity with refugees and those seeking sanctuary. This remarkable Festival serves as a testament to what we can achieve when compassion is put into action, when communities unite, and when we stand in unwavering support of one another. It is through events like these that we foster a culture of inclusivity, empathy, and understanding. Together, we continue to build a world where the rights and dignity of every individual are upheld, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Visit the Bristol Refugee Festival’s website to discover how you can make a difference: refugeeweek.org.uk/simple-acts/join-the-movement/
This year, the theme of the festival was compassion.
To read a poem on compassion visit: https://refugeeweek.org.uk/compassion-a-poem-co-created-by-this-years-ambassadors/
And if you want to learn more about what compassion means visit:
https://refugeeweek.org.uk/compassion-a-film-with-imix-and-saltways-with-this-years-ambassadors/ |
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Defacing Graffiti in Easton
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The mural in Bristol, created as a tribute to a man who tragically lost his life in a hateful and racist act of violence has been defaced with graffiti just over a year after it was first uncovered in Easton. The mural was unveiled in December 2021 on Human Rights Day by Asylum Seekers and disabled activists in memory of Kamil Ahmed who was stabbed in his own bedroom by his neighbour, while living in supported accommodation in Knowle in 2016.
The mural serves as a powerful symbol of remembrance, honouring the victim and sending a message against hate crimes. The artwork, located in a prominent public space, stands as a visual reminder of the need to address and confront hatred in society.
Large sections of the mural are now completely submerged in graffiti. The mural also contains three plaques explaining the significance of the piece and why it was created, which were also partially spray painted.
Rebecca Yeo, one of the leaders for this project has already started collecting donations at the Easton Community Centre for the restoration of the artwork.
The tribute mural not only serves as a memorial but also as a catalyst for conversations and actions that promote understanding, empathy, and unity. It serves as a reminder that everyone has a responsibility to create a society where every individual feels safe, respected, and valued. |
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Stories From Our Community
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Nailsea Methodist Church becomes Church of Sanctuary
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We are thrilled to share that Nailsea Methodist Church has become the first Church of Sanctuary in North Somerset. The award was given to recognize the church's unwavering commitment to learning about sanctuary issues, promoting hospitality and inclusion, and inspiring others to follow suit. Notably, their Hong Kong Welcome Course and collaboration with other local churches to host a Conversation Café for refugees from Syria and Ukraine exemplify their dedication to fostering a welcoming environment for those in need.
The church’s celebration happened on Sunday, July 2nd, as they were officially awarded sanctuary status at a special service of celebration. Susana Askew presented the award to Ceri Bowen the Sanctuary Champion.
This was a very joyous occasion, attended by members of the Methodist Church and other religious groups from the area. The service was officiated by the Reverend Deborah Mallett who states: “The call to love our neighbour, whoever they are and wherever they are from, lies at the heart of Christian faith. We aspire to be a community of welcome and a safe place for all. This award is a happy marker on an on-going journey to express deeper solidarity with those on the margins.”
Inderjit Bhopal, founder and Patron of the national City of Sanctuary sent a video specially recorded for the occasion explaining the principles and philosophy that sustain the movement and guest preacher Forward Maisokwadzo also spoke about his own experiences as a refugee. Congratulations again to Nailsea Methodist Church. |
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UK Illegal Immigration Bill passed in parliament
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The recent passing of the UK's Illegal Migration Bill marks a disheartening shift away from the country's longstanding commitment to human rights and international protection. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, and UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, have both voiced deep concern over the bill's implications.
The legislation denies access to asylum in the UK for those arriving irregularly, regardless of the compelling circumstances they may face. It also introduces sweeping detention powers with limited oversight, putting vulnerable individuals, including unaccompanied children, at risk. This bill not only breaches the country's international obligations but also sets a worrying precedent for dismantling asylum-related obligations globally.
At a time when compassion and empathy should be at the forefront of our minds, it is disheartening to witness such a bill that could have grave consequences for those in need. |
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Please sign and share the Joint Council for the welfare of Immigrants's open letter to the Prime Minister to condemn this Act. |
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