Education should be a right not a privilege. But all too often financial restraints and bureaucratic hurdles stop students from a sanctuary-seeking background from applying to, accessing and then thriving at university.
Today, over a hundred million people across the world are forcibly displaced, but only six percent of those refugees have access to higher education. Amongst those fleeing violence, persecution and war are talented scholars, unable to continue their studies or research careers. Without support, the world risks losing their knowledge and contributions forever.
I am the coordinator of Universities of Sanctuary, a UK-wide network of university staff, lecturers, academics, students and people with lived experience of seeking sanctuary in the UK. Together we are working to make higher education institutions places of safety, solidarity and empowerment for people seeking sanctuary.
Universities not only have a vital role to play in ensuring that people who are seeking sanctuary are able to access higher education, and also in catalysing welcome in wider society. Universities and student-run groups are key in leading on activities, campaigns and research which shift the narrative about refugees locally and globally.
