Earlier this year London City of Sanctuary marked Refugee Week 2009 by hosting it's first 'London Citizens of Sanctuary' Awards Ceremony. Awards were presented to 3 exceptional Londoners who embody the spirit and commitment to welcoming refugees which the City of Sanctuary movement is seeking to promote. The event followed a special performance of the Asylum Dialogues by Actors for Human Rights at the New Players Theatre on Sunday 21st of June.

The event was a huge success and enjoyed a great turnout.
To see photos of the event, please click follow this link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/39776698@N07/sets/72157622285899875/

The three recipients were:

Juliet Stevenson – as well as being one of Britain’s most esteemed actresses, Juliet has been a long-standing campaigner for the rights of those seeking sanctuary in the UK, both directly and through her work as an actor. Most recently, she worked with Women for Refugee Women to produce and perform in Motherland at the Young Vic, which told the true stories of women and children locked up in the UK's immigration detention centres.

Neil Gerrard MP for his work as a leading parliamentary champion on refugee and asylum issues. As a constituency MP, Neil has also devoted himself to helping new migrants in London and in increasing understanding between communities

Peter Tatchell, Human Rights Activist – for over 20 years of work supporting refugees both personally and through his campaigning to improve conditions and treatment of those genuinely seeking refuge in this country.