On World Refugee Day Initiatives of Change, the international charity committed to building trust across the worlds divides, is calling for people to expand their empathy, to learn, read and expose themselves to counter-stereotype images of refugees.
Paul Gutteridge, National Director at Initiatives of Change, said: “We are asking for compassion to the millions of refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, conflict and persecution. According to recent data from the UN, more than 70 million people are fleeing conflict and oppression globally. Children make up half of that figure. That’s one in every 108 people. Despite these alarming figures the number of resettlement offers are half of what they were last year. Refugees should be seen as a resource and a potential rather than as a burden or threat”.
In celebration of World Refugee Day, Initiatives of Change is hosting an event on 26th June at their head office and conference centre, 24 Greencoat Place, London. Speakers include;7
The panelists will come together to discuss and debate why migration and the refugee crisis continues to dominate the political agenda causing fear, populist rhetoric, hatred and division in communities.
Head of the Sustainable Communities Programme, Amina Khalid, said: “A new and positive narrative is emerging to counteract the disunity, mistrust and conflict of our nation. Our panel of speakers will respond creatively to the wider debate and look at what role each one of us can play in changing the narrative. We also have an evening of food from across the globe and performances from the The Nile Youth-Ugandan dance group”.
Initiatives of Change has a long history working with refugees and people of Diaspora. In 2018 Refugees as Rebuilders™, a new and unique training programme, was launched by Rt Hon Tom Brake MP. The programme focuses on ethical governance, social cohesion and the environment. The course aims to empower settled refugees to contribute to rebuilding their countries of origin by giving them access to knowledge and skills regarding nation-building that they may not otherwise receive through academic studies or work experience.
Muna Ismail, Programme Manager and the force behind Refugees as Rebuilders™, said: “With a generous welcome and the right training, we can empower and help refugees contribute both to this country and also eventually to their country of origin. Its purpose is to strengthen the capability and expertise participants already possess and to provide them with opportunities to explore, discuss and reflect on their own experience”.
Resource file: https://iofc.org.uk/uploads/2020/05/iofc-uk-world-refugee-day-press-release.pdf
