As a starting point to make Oxford a “City of Sanctuary” a number of organisations, individual members of the public and voluntary sector and faith groups have come together, with a commitment to welcoming and including asylum-seekers and refugees in all the activities of our community. Recently a motion of support was passed by the Oxford City Council for the development of an “Oxford City of Sanctuary” movement.

A group has been established to take this forward and we are now working to develop the membership and take the next step. To identify practical ways through which the citizens, faith communities, businesses, community groups, schools colleges and the two universities of Oxford can contribute in a practical way to meeting our aim.

To make a practical and positive difference to the lives of people who have come to us seeking sanctuary.

Early objectives we have identified are:

• To expand the membership of the group to include representatives from local businesses, educational institutes, media outlets and community groups.
• To develop a network of informed, motivated and committed citizens, including refugees and asylum seekers, community groups, faith communities and other organisations who will work together to overcome prejudice, provide hospitality, create opportunities for mutual learning and cultural exchange and support integration.

So far the principle ways we envisage doing this are through:

• Information and education for the wider public through balanced presentation of the facts about refugees and asylum seekers using the media, education and faith venues and community networks.
• Creating opportunities for shared learning between refugees and asylum seekers and the local community.
• Asking local businesses and statutory services to demonstrate their commitment to an inclusive and fairer society by promoting the concept of a “City of Sanctuary” and celebrating the contribution which refugees and asylum seekers have and do make to society.
• Developing community led practical initiatives which address the social isolation, deprivation and exclusion experienced by Refugees and Asylum Seekers.

If you are interested in helping us to make any of the above happen and in particular if you are a refugee or asylum seeker of have links to the media, education or other community networks please e-mail us at oxford@cityofsanctuary.org and we will get back to you to discuss how you can become involved.