EXETER University has joined forces with Exeter City of Sanctuary in an attempt to change legislation to help the city become a University of Sanctuary. The campaign comes after Exeter City of Sanctuary formed an initiative to get the city to meet the criteria of a City of Sanctuary. The sanctuary aims to make the city a place where refuges and asylum seekers are recognised for their skills and what they can bring the community.
A series of talks surrounding the issues of asylum in the city are being held to help residents become more aware of what asylum seekers have to face in their home countries and in the UK. The talks will be supported by local charity, Refugee Support Devon.
Emma Finlinson, from Exeter City of Sanctuary, said: "We were privileged enough to attend a conference in Parliament in September where MP, Ben Bradshaw, came to talk to us and offer his support. He has also recently supported calls for the UK to establish a programme to provide emergency sanctuary for vulnerable Syrian refugees.
"Some student groups in the University have come on board to try and help students who have refugee status, and make the campus a safe and welcoming environment."
The Asylum Talks will be held on Wednesday, February 11th at Exeter Community Centre Dinham Room at 4pm, Friday, February 27th at Royal Albert Memorial Museum at 3pm and Wednesday, March 11th at University of Exeter Forum Alumni Auditorium from 7pm.
Exeter University will also be holding a university-wide Refugee Week of events from Monday, March 9th to Friday, March 13th.
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