Bradford City of Sanctuary
The city of Bradford has a proud history of welcoming and including newcomers from all corners of the world. A City of Sanctuary Bradford working group was established in July 2008, with a vision to see this culture of welcome and hospitality extended to include those seeking sanctuary in our city.
We celebrate the huge contribution that asylum seekers and refugees bring to the city and want to see this more broadly recognized. We aim to challenge some of the misinformation and negative stereotypes already in the public domain. We hope to stimulate opportunities for those seeking sanctuary to participate fully in the life of this city.
We are very grateful for generous financial support from the Cooperative Local Members Committee, as well as much practical support from Touchstone
Resolution of Support
Could your group or organisation sign a resolution such as this?
"(Our organisation) recognizes the contribution of asylum-seekers and refugees to the City of Bradford, and is committed to welcoming and including them in our activities. We support Bradford becoming a recognized 'City of Sanctuary' for refugees and asylum-seekers."
If so please download, sign and return the attached Resolution of Support.
Launch of City of Sanctuary Bradford campaign
Submitted by Will Sutcliffe on Mon, 06/10/2008 - 09:24.
Almost 100 people from many sectors of the city gathered on 1st October for a hugely successful launch event.
Our Supporters
The following 75 groups, organisations and businesses had signed our Resolution of Support as at 13.11.08:
City of Sanctuary Bradford: Press Release
Submitted by Will Sutcliffe on Mon, 29/09/2008 - 14:45.
BRADFORD SEEKS SANCTUARY STATUS
Imagine. You are a young woman in your early 20's. Early one morning in 2005 you were abducted by militia from your home in the Rwanda. You were imprisoned, tortured and raped. After a year you managed to escape and fled to Britain where you sought asylum. The Home Office dispersed you to Bradford. On arrival however you experienced suspicion and open hostility from neighbours - even from some professionals. Today you are still plagued by nightmares.
