Belfast City of Sanctuary 2015 the refugee crisis

Belfast- City of Sanctuary?

2015 – the refugee crisis

Origins of the movement

Sheffield – city of sanctuary

Other cities follow on

A recognised brand

Streams of sanctuary Linked by a theme, rather than geography

BCo. S - AIMS • To promote the inclusion and welfare of refugees, asylum seekers and members of new communities, by encouraging the citizens of Belfast and their public bodies to make a public commitment to becoming a place of welcome and safety by adopting the title of ‘City of Sanctuary’. • To encourage and support local communities, public bodies and voluntary, community, educational, health, business, trade union, sports, cultural and faith organisations in welcoming and assisting asylum seekers, refugees and members of new communities.

BCo. S - AIMS • To publicise and celebrate the contribution of asylum seekers, refugees and members of new communities, to their local communities, and to our shared society, and to challenge hostility, prejudice and discrimination against them. • To ensure that the membership and activities of BCo. S, including the Management Committee, reflect the ethos of partnership between the host community and asylum seekers, refugees and members of new communities and their representative bodies.

BCo. S – KEY PRINCIPLES • PARTNERSHIP - between host community and refugees, asylum seekers and new communities • ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP – membership-led involving individuals, voluntary and community organisations and public bodies • NETWORKING – working closely with other organisations to ensure maximum co-operation and non-duplication • PROMOTING – promoting positive views of refugees, asylum seekers and new communities

BCo. S – Activities and Projects • Refugee Picnic – 24 June 2018 – 400 attended. Partnership with Amnesty • Understanding Northern Ireland Politics and Culture Classes. Partnership with BURC and Belfast Met • ‘A Part of Belfast Now’ exhibition and booklet. Partnership with Education Authority, Libraries NI and NICRAS • Over 100 members – Individuals and organisations. Further 200+ supporters. • Close co-operation with NICRAS and Places of Sanctuary ROI

BCo. S – Activities and Projects ctd • Schools of Sanctuary – 11 Schools across Belfast • Universities/Colleg es of Sanctuary

Reality check! What actual difference would a newly arrived refugee see? How would Belfast be different than it is now? Will only ask Belfast City Council to declare Belfast a City of Sanctuary when there are very clear comittments and actions by public bodies and wider community to make Welcome a reality.