Oxford Brookes University awarded University of Sanctuary status
Oxford Brookes University has been officially recognised as a University of Sanctuary, joining a growing national network of institutions committed to creating welcoming and supportive environments for refugees and people seeking asylum.
The award follows a detailed application process led by the University’s Migration and Refugees Research Network in collaboration with local charity Asylum Welcome. It reflects Oxford Brookes’ sustained commitment to sanctuary seekers through research, community partnerships, and direct student support such as Sanctuary Scholarships.
Dr Tamsin Barber, Chair of the Migration and Refugees Research Network and Reader in Sociology, said:
“We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition. It reflects the hard work of staff and students across the University, as well as the strength of our community partnerships. Most importantly, it affirms our long-term commitment to building a genuinely inclusive, safe and empowering environment for people with experience of forced migration.”
Oxford Brookes’ three-year action plan, developed as part of the application, will continue to guide this work. Initiatives already underway include collaboration on the Refugee-Led Research Hub in East Oxford and an expanding programme of events, training and outreach in partnership with Asylum Welcome and other local organisations.
Dr Andrea Macrae, Principal Lecturer and Research Fellow, added: “Receiving this award is just the beginning. We are determined to keep listening, learning and building on this foundation in collaboration with the sanctuary-seeking community.”
Agegnehu Mamo, a researcher at Asylum Welcome, said: "It’s fantastic to see Oxford Brookes University’s efforts to improve the experience of sanctuary seekers recognised in this award. They have worked hard and we look forward to continue working with the University as they progress on this journey.”
Oxford Brookes now formally joins the City of Sanctuary movement and reaffirms its commitment to the City of Sanctuary charter.
To learn more, visit The Universities of Sanctuary website.