A poem for World Refugee Day 2018
Advocacy 20 June 2018
On World Refugee Day we celebrate the strength, resilience and power of all migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
Particularly at this time, as the UK immigration system becomes increasingly more hostile, we must honour the contributions of refugees and migrant communities across country, and welcome refugees with open hearts. We believe migrants, refugees and asylum seekers should be welcomed and offered protection, not met with hostility and violent borders.
Often the hostility continues once migrants arrive in this country. As our members have told us, they can feel dehumanised in the way they are treated. This is why we believe in the power of community to welcome refugees and asylum seekers, and offer a space for them to rebuild their lives by coming together.
A poem written by one of our members embodies these feelings so powerfully.
Alien
Who says?
Losts and gains
We are integrated here!
I did not just come with two suitcases!
People learn and will remember from my skills and expertise
How you can make your contribution
To find out about events happening near you for Refugee Week 2018, go here. So many wonderful events across the country to raise your awareness, contribute to making positive change, and take a stand in solidarity with refugees!
And of course, you are invited to join us for our annual summer party on 6th July, from 6pm at the Mildmay Community Centre. There will be a storytelling piece by our members, live music, delicious food and more, and it will be a chance for you to learn more about the Room to Heal community. Hope to see you there!
