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.
Accepting his award, Peter Tatchell said:
"I accept this award with honour, gratitude and humility. I am just a small part of a vast network of individuals and organisations who support refugees fleeing persecution. Many of these refugees have suffered arrest, imprisonment, torture, rape and attempts to kill them.
"Cumulatively and collectively, we are helping transform their lives for the better. This is hugely rewarding emotionally - for the refugees, and for all of us involved in helping ensure they have a place of sanctuary here in London.
"I would like to pay tribute to the magnificent work of organisations such as the Refugee Council, Refugee Action, Medical Justice, Bail Circle, Bail for Immigration Detainees, No Borders, National Coalition of Anti-Deportation Campaigns, UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group, Lesbian and Gay Asylum Team and many others.
"Together, over the years, these organisations have made a huge positive difference to the lives of tens of thousands of refugees,"
said Mr Tatchell.
Commenting on the event, the Chair of London City of Sanctuary, Alexandra Feachem, said:
“Juliet Stevenson, Peter Tatchell and Neil Gerrard are people who in very different ways have shown passion and commitment to the cause of welcoming and helping individuals who have come to London to seek sanctuary. This work is not part of their ‘day jobs’, it is something they have chosen to devote time to. In recent years, standing up for refugees has not been a popular thing to do. But it is not true, as the press sometimes suggests, that everybody in London and the UK is anti-immigrant. There are many people who want to welcome migrants to our communities – and our first London Citizens of Sanctuary embody this spirit. Our aim win the London City of Sanctuary group is take steps to increase understanding of refugees in the capital through projects and initiatives to bring communities together. We are aiming to get London to declare itself as the first ever Olympic City of Sanctuary in 2012.”
These awards will be an annual event honouring individuals from all backgrounds, ranging from high profile people to ‘unsung heroes’. In future years, London City of Sanctuary will be inviting community groups from across the capital to forward nominations suggesting people they think deserve to be honoured as ‘London Citizens of Sanctuary’.
It is hoped that the Citizens will serve as an inspiration to others in promoting a culture of welcome in London and will act as ambassadors for London City of Sanctuary.
