Sunderland to host events celebrating Refugee Week

Sunderland is joining cities across the world from June 15 to 21 to recognise those who have had to flee persecution to find safety in new countries and cultures.

There will be a ‘Walk of Sanctuary’ around the city on June 15 at 10am and civic landmarks will be lit up in blue to symbolise the skies and seas shared in every journey through life.

Coun Michael Mordey, Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We are proud to support Refugee Week which provides us all with a chance to learn more about the life and death decisions facing people escaping war and persecution, and better appreciate the cultural and social contribution they make to the world.

“Refugees sharing their stories and experiences with us all helps create better understanding of why they were forced to flee, and their determination to bring their skills, talents and creative energy to life in our city.

“People from across the world have made Sunderland their home and played a massive part in our history and development – people like Charles Slater, whose great-grandfather was a refugee from Lithuania during the Industrial Revolution.

“He grew up to become leader of the council for many years and helped bring Nissan to our city, which helped shape Sunderland’s industrial future.”

Voluntary and community sector groups including Fightback, The Friends of the Drop In (FODI) and International Community Organisation of Sunderland (ICOS) who provide help and support to asylum seekers and refugees in Sunderland are working with local, regional and national partners on a number of collaborative projects.

This year’s theme for Refugee Week is ‘Imagine’ with people at home being asked to use their creative talents online to share their music, artistic talents and stories via video links and virtual interviews.

The projects will allow people in Sunderland and around the world to share their stories and experiences of what forced them to become refugees and their long, dangerous journeys to finding safety, as well as their aspirations to create new lives.

Sunderland Museums and Sunderland Culture are also taking part with links to online activities and other content available at https://sunderlandculture.org.uk/refugee-week-15-21-june/