Every year on 20 June, the UNHCR marks World Refugee Day. This was established in 2001 on the 50thAnniversary of the Geneva Convention of the Rights of Refugees. The Convention that still holds today as the for the legislation that protects refugees across most of the world.
Around this has risen many wonderful ways to celebrate and show support and solidarity for those seeking sanctuary in the UK.
In Bristol, this has grown to be a fortnight long series of events, supported across many sectors as Refugee Festival. There will be events happening across Gloucestershire as well, including The Picnic on Llantony Lawn.
At the heart of all of this is the concept of Sanctuary; the need for safety, the call to look after and welcome the stranger. The City of Sanctuary movement in the UK is based on this premise. Founded in 2005 in Sheffield, the movement has spread across the UK with Bristol becoming a City of Sanctuary in 2011 and regularly recommitting to this through its strategy and work. This network has many organisations that help make these changes and build communities. At the Bristol City of Sanctuary, they are committed to build a more accessible Bristol and South Gloucestershire for all who live there.
Sanctuary Sunday, the Sunday nearest World Refugee Day, invites all in the diocese to reflect on the role of the Church in welcoming the stranger. Resources to help plan a service →
Receiving funding is also a challenge for all charities and therefore you may want to consider donating to your local refugee organisation at a retiring collection or as part of your giving – support the Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers.
