York hosts Universities of Sanctuary Conference

Posted on 13 December 2024

The University of York is hosting the Universities of Sanctuary Conference 2024, focusing on how higher education can develop enduring and sustainable ways to promote sanctuary beyond moments of crisis.

This year's two day conference, from 16 to 17 December, is expected to attract nearly 200 delegates from across the network of partner universities.

Key highlights of the conference include:

Scholar Networking: Sanctuary Scholars will have the opportunity to connect with peers, share experiences and build a supportive network.
Best practice workshops and panel discussions: Exploring new and effective ways of embedding cultures of sanctuary.
A session led by Dr Ahmed Khaleel, from the University’s Department of Language and Linguistic Science, on the Book of Refugees - a project to record the experiences and aspirations of refugees living in the UK.

Inclusive and welcoming

Kiran Trehan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise, Partnerships and Engagement, said: "The University of York believes that everyone should have the opportunity to access the education they need to realise their true potential. Today, only 6% of refugees have access to higher education compared to 40% of people globally.

“This is why we welcome Sanctuary Scholars and delegates from across the network to York, because this conference provides a valuable platform to share ideas, inspire action and collectively work towards creating more inclusive and welcoming university communities.”

University of Sanctuary

The University of York has established itself as a leading institution in promoting human rights and fostering a culture of sanctuary. It is a proud member of the Universities of Sanctuary initiative, which aims to create welcoming environments for refugees and asylum seekers.

Action includes helping sanctuary seekers access a university education through a range of financial support, such as offering scholarships to refugee students, as well as tailored support and guidance.

fight global injustice

Our Centre for Applied Human Rights also hosts Human Rights Defenders, who risk their lives to fight global injustice and strengthen democracy, to York to share their expertise

More than 100 human rights defenders, from 50 countries, have been hosted on Protective Fellowships since the programme began in 2008.

Full potential

Professor Simon Parker from York’s Department of Politics and International Relations, who has been instrumental in co-organising the programme, added: “We are delighted to be hosting the National Universities of Sanctuary Conference for the first time at the University of York.

“As a proud University of Sanctuary in a City of Sanctuary we look forward to sharing our experience, research and practical knowledge across the Universities of Sanctuary network, and to gaining insights and learning from our partner universities and stakeholders who are all working to ensure students and academics from refugee and forced migration backgrounds are able to realise their full potential as members of our University community.”

Further information:

Find out more about our support for those affected by global crises here
Discover more about the York Sanctuary Fund and how it's making a difference here
Find out more about support for Nazia as some asylum seeking students are denied permission to work and are not allowed to apply for student finance support.
Find out how Fawzia is building a new life, with our support, after she was forced to leave Afghanistan.