Celebrating Refugee Week with the Oxford Sanctuary Community and the Sanctuary Fair

“Community, at its most meaningful, is not about proximity. It is about recognition and finding people with whom the unspoken is already understood... Oxford is a place of extraordinary privilege, immense intellectual richness, and at times, intense pressure. So, to be here with a history like ours and still be able to show up, still contribute and still dare to belong, that is not a small thing... it is a deeply human act of courage, and it is something definitely worth honouring.” 

Ola Abuzaid, student reading for MSc in Applied Cancer Science (part of a speech to her peers in the Oxford Sanctuary Community)

It takes a lot of courage to adjust to the University of Oxford, a very unique experience even for UK-based students, now imagine the extent of adjustment needed for students who may be coming directly from war or conflict zones in different parts of the world. The student’s reflection above captures this so well. This is why this year’s Refugee Week theme of courage is so timely and a wonderful recognition of the resilience, strength and determination it takes to ‘start afresh’ in a whole new context for those forced to flee. 

The Oxford Sanctuary Community  

Over the last three years I have had the privilege to support students at Oxford with lived experience of forced displacement as coordinator of the Oxford Sanctuary Community (OSC). The OSC complements the University’s scholarship commitments by offering bespoke pastoral, academic, and professional support to all postgraduate students and researchers who have been affected by displacement and conflict. The programme is aimed at enriching scholars’ experience through tailored events, community building, and guidance navigating the collegiate University.  

Through this role I have had the wonderful experience of interacting with such remarkable students and researchers from across a range of countries including Ukraine, Palestine, Belarus, Afghanistan, Iran, Myanmar, Hongkong, Venezuela, Sudan, DRC, Burundi, Tibet, Ghana, and Russia, to name a few. My work has involved direct support in navigating the sometimes-complex maze that is Oxford, thanks to its decentralised system of colleges and departments existing as separate entities. I have also worked collaboratively with colleagues across the University to organise events, such as the Alan Kurdi Lecture, to celebrate the expertise and research of our scholars beyond their department and college affiliation.  

Another big milestone has been creating more institutional awareness of some of the ‘invisible’ challenges that students and researchers with displacement backgrounds face when they get to Oxford and coming up with tailored solutions. Some of these challenges include hypervigilance, cognitive fatigue from always operating on flight-or-fight mode, as well the emotional exhaustion that comes with all the trauma they have endured. This is captured briefly by one OSC’s student quote: 

“The transition from Gaza to Oxford was challenging. Coming from a context of war, starvation, risk, and clinical practice literally under attack, I had to adapt to a new academic environment, different assessment methods and criteria, and a research-based way of thinking. Managing ongoing physical health issues, psychological pressure, and family responsibilities as the eldest sister while pursuing my studies required perseverance and effective time management. This has been made possible by the supportive community created through college, departmental, and OSC events, where I built meaningful friendships and gained new experiences.” 

The challenges are significant, but it is wonderful to see how many colleagues are willing and ready to support our scholars to feel seen, heard and valued as contributing members of our esteemed university. 

In addition to the scholar-focused support through the OSC, the University continues to strengthen its engagement with the wider community including people seeking sanctuary, our local City of Sanctuary network, and the refugee support network through co-organising the Sanctuary Fair with Asylum Welcome.  

The Oxford Sanctuary Fair 

The Oxford Sanctuary Fair is an annual event falling in Refugee Week since 2023.  This year’s Oxford Sanctuary Fair will take place at Florence Park Community Centre on 13 and 14 June. It has been mainly planned by Asylum Welcome, with engagement from the five main partners: Oxford University, Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford Brookes University.  

This year’s location was chosen to ensure the event is immersed in the community and close to sanctuary seekers. The fair will feature community stalls, live music, family activities, and food. As part of Saturday’s events, Sanctuary Door, a new initiative of Oxford City Council, will be announced and the day will end with a football match (Displaced Derby 2026) between Oxford Phoenix and Leys Lions. Sunday will feature the main workshop of the fair this year, on Education and English Language pathways for asylum seekers and other community members.   

Being a part of the Sanctuary Fair planning team and seeing everyone dedicated to bringing to life this enlivening and impactful initiative, has reaffirmed my own commitment towards advocacy work. The event beautifully connects people from different backgrounds and communities, reminding all of us that the spirit of welcome and humanity is still alive at community levels even amidst the increasing division and polarisation in the news around migration and people seeking asylum. I hope that the Sanctuary Fair as an annual event will continue indefinitely. 

Please join us this  weekend for our 5th annual Sanctuary Fair, the first event of this year’s Refugee Week. It is a free event, and everyone is welcome to attend.   

Location: Florence Park Community Centre, Cornwallis Rd, Oxford OX4 3NH

Dates and Times: Saturday 13 June 12.30pm-5.30pm and Sunday 14 June 10am-3.30pm

Read more about this and other Refugee Week events in Oxford