York reaccredited as a University of Sanctuary

Posted on 16 June 2025

The University of York has been reaccredited as a “University of Sanctuary” in recognition of the work of its staff and students in welcoming forced migrants into the community and promoting a culture of inclusion.

The announcement of the award, which is led by the charity City of Sanctuary, coincides with Refugee Week from 16 - 22 June – a time to acknowledge the contributions of refugees and raise awareness of the challenges they face.

Safe environment

Since becoming a University of Sanctuary in 2020, the University has provided a safe and supportive environment for over 50 students who identify as refugees and/or sanctuary seekers. Support has been delivered via Equal Access scholarships, Warm Welcome scholarships and Refugee bursaries, as well as pastoral and study support.

For over 15 years, the Centre for Applied Human Rights has provided a unique programme to support Human Rights Defenders (HRD) from around the globe.To date the centre has hosted over 100 Fellows from 51 countries with each defender bringing with them their own practical experience and knowledge.

The University, as a member of the Council for At Risk Academics (Cara) fellowships network of UK Higher Education institutions, helps to provide a lifeline for at-risk academics, those who are at risk of arrest, injury or even death due to the nature of their work or their personal situations. In the past three years the University has welcomed six Cara academics providing £375,000 in funding.

Urgent

Professor Kiran Trehan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise, Partnerships and Engagement said: “With global conflicts on the rise, the need to support displaced students and academics is more urgent than ever. We know there is much more work to do and our reaccreditation as a University of Sanctuary powerfully affirms our commitment to offering a path to safety and a chance to continue education and vital work, ensuring skills and knowledge are not lost.

“Providing sanctuary and widening access to education is something our community at the University of York cares passionately about. It is embedded in our founding values as a University for Public Good and we look forward to building on this legacy in the years ahead.”

Cross-cultural cooperation

Dr Tetyana Lunyova has been a Researchers at Risk Fellow in the Department of Education since August 2022. She was forced to leave Ukraine with her then 10 year-old son in March 2022 after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Dr Lunyova said: “My Researchers at Risk fellowship at the University of York has enabled me not only to continue to develop my professional career but also to establish links between the UK and Ukrainian scholars.

“We have implemented several educational and research projects that enhance cross-cultural experiences and promote cross-cultural cooperation between our two countries.

“My professional interests lie in the areas of the social sciences and the humanities and so the rich cultural life in York has been a true inspiration and emotional support to me”

Vital role

Research also plays a vital role in the University’s sanctuary efforts. The Migration Network, which brings together academics from across the University and beyond, fosters and shares cutting-edge research in fields like global displacement, forced migration, human rights, social justice, culture, and citizenship.

In 2023 the University launched the York Sanctuary Fund. With the backing of students, staff, alumni and other donors, so far the fund has supported:

34 scholars from 20 countries
10 human rights defenders
Three Equal Access Scholarships per year - including an annual living allowance and full fee waivers

City-wide approach

Working collaboratively with partner organisations such as Student Action for Refugees (STAR), Refugee Action York and York City Church has been vital to enhancing impact and extending the reach of the University’s sanctuary work beyond campus.

Together, the University and local partners have delivered a programme of English language provision to Asylum seekers housed in a local hotel, and now offer associate membership to the University library to any interested sanctuary seekers. The University also regularly hosts Yahala Mataam, a pop-up food stall run entirely by Syrian refugees, on campus.

Over the coming years the University aims to further strengthen relationships with local partner organisations, including York, City of Sanctuary, City of York Council and Refugee Action York, in order to build upon a city-wide approach to supporting refugees and asylum seekers. The University also hopes to bolster academic and pastoral support for scholars who are refugees and asylum seekers, so that they feel fully supported in their studies and personal lives as they establish themselves in the UK.

Further information:

Refugee Week at the University of York:

To mark Refugee Week in June, the University of York will be hosting a series of events:

Refugee led caterer and pop-up restaurant Yahala Mataam will be at Greg's Place between 11:30am and 2pm on Thursday 19 June
Equality, Academic Freedom and Human Rights Online Talk: Speakers Robin Perutz and Saeed Akkad will draw on their experiences as scientific researchers to discuss how policy changes in America are influencing the wider world, the threat of disinformation in 2025, and what happens when a government is at odds with its own researchers.
Common Ground Networking Event: Connecting ideas and practical tools amongst individuals and organisations looking to explore creative practice with refugees and asylum seekers
Renowned British actor Colin Salmon, best known for appearances in television and film including three James Bond movies will share his reflections and discuss how the York Sanctuary Fund is making a difference at an event in London. For more information, please email Emma Stent via emma.stent@york.ac.uk
The Book of Refugees project: All refugees are invited to participate and share their stories

Find more information on refugee week at the following link: https://www.york.ac.uk/about/equality/news-events/2025/refugee-week-2025/

To donate to the York Sanctuary fund, please visit: https://www.york.ac.uk/york-giving/york-sanctuary-fund/

York’s commitment to being a University of Sanctuary is aligned with its ambition to become the University of Opportunity in the UK - a commitment to providing equal opportunities and supporting those from less advantaged backgrounds in accessing university, achieving success when they are here, and fulfilling their potential as they progress through their life.