Hull City Council, alongside partners in the voluntary and academic sectors, is marking Refugee Week, 20 – 27 June, with a wide range of activities celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience that refugees and people seeking sanctuary give to the city.
As one of the UK’s designated Cities of Sanctuary, Hull has a long and proud history for supporting people who have been forced to flee from their homes through war, persecution, or natural disasters. This year, in addition to refugees from across the globe, Hull has welcomed people who have fled their homes in war-torn Ukraine.
Refugee Week activities are a popular feature in the city’s cultural calendar, details of which are available at the Hull Refugee Week Facebook page. They range from a fantastic gig at the Adelphi, an art exhibition by people forced to leave from their homes and their families, food tasters, refugees’ own personal stories, a football unity tournament and many more events, some of which spill over into July.
Councillor Jan Loft, Hull City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing and Homelessness, said: “Our ultimate aim is to establish a better understanding between different communities and enable refugees to live in safety and make a positive contribution to their new communities.
“Through Refugee Week, we create a platform for cultural, artistic, sporting, and educational activities that highlight these people’s talents and skills and make the most of this opportunity for them to be listened to and valued.”
The Hull Refugee Week partners organising and supporting Refugee Week events are: British Red Cross, City of Sanctuary, Hull4Ukraine, Hull Help for Refugees, Hull City Council, Hull Culture and Leisure Ltd, NICE, North Bank Forum, The Open Doors Project, Community Integration Advocacy Centre, Refugee Council, University of Hull, and Welcome House.
