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»ÆÉ«²Ö¿â Leicester (»ÆÉ«²Ö¿â) has made a national pledge to demonstrate its commitment to helping people fleeing violence and persecution. 

The university signed up to a statement prepared by City of Sanctuary, a charity supporting a network of groups across the UK and Ireland working to build a culture of welcome and hospitality within their communities. 

By doing so, »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â has agreed it will support the City of Sanctuary vision that the UK will be a welcoming place of safety for all. 

The pledge, signed by »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â’s Registrar (academic), Nikki Pierce, says: “We recognise the contribution of people seeking sanctuary. 

“People seeking sanctuary are welcomed, supported and have empowering opportunities within our context.” 

Pete Hobson, chair of the City of Sanctuary’s Leicester branch, said: “We are very happy to see »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â taking this pledge. 

“I think »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â has a high number of students which come from a wide range of backgrounds and a good history of taking a stance; it’s not afraid to put itself out there. 

“In the climate of today, things are getting more and more polarised and it is vital that we do all we can to help provide a counter narrative.  

“For a university like »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â to make a declaration like this is so important.” 

In its partnership with the United Nations, first as global hub for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17, peace justice and strong institutions and now in its role as global hub for SDG 11, sustainable cities and communities, the university has led on many initiatives aimed at helping refugees and asylum seekers. 

One of these, Project Atefa, launched around 2022. Named after Atefa Waseq, an Afghan academic who fled Taliban rule, the project is student-led under »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â’s UNAI SDG Hub. Its aim is to tell real stories of refugees and asylum seekers, shape refugee advocacy, and bring lived experience into academic and public discussion.  

Students volunteer to run interviews, workshops, events, and storytelling activities, and help foster understanding of the challenges of forced migration. »ÆÉ«²Ö¿â works with partners in Leicester, Berlin (including the Marienfelde Refugee Center Museum), and other local groups to deliver Project Atefa.