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Bristol News

Bristol asylum seekers call on government to end destitution on Human Rights Day

Submitted by Forward on Thu, 03/12/2009 - 19:31

Bristolians who have survived human rights abuses and war and sought sanctuary in the UK are to speak out at an event commemorating International Human Rights Day.

The anniversary, which  marks the UN’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 61 years ago,  will see people who fled countries such as Darfur, Somalia, Iran and Zimbabwe sharing their experiences at a conference entitled ‘Protection and Dignity – not Destitution’ at Newton Hall on Thursday 10th December.

 The conference, attended by leader of the council Cllr Barbara Janke, will examine the situation of refused asylum seekers, who are made destitute if they do not return to their countries of origin. A petition asking for the right to work for asylum seekers after six months, will also be presented to Bristol West MP Stephen Williams’ representative.Bristol Refugee Rights, Refugee Action, City of Sanctuary and St Nicholas of Tolentino, who work with asylum seekers and refugees in the city, are organising the event, which will hear testimonies from several asylum seekers at all stages of the asylum process. 

Bristol plays host to Zimbabwean musical legend

Submitted by Forward on Thu, 03/12/2009 - 19:28
Thomas Tafirenyika Mukanya

A musical hero from Zimbabwe is making a whistle stop tour of Bristol to support the plight of refugees from his homeland and entertain his throngs of fans.

Thomas Mapfumo, himself an exile in America following harassment from Mugabe’s government, will take part in a talk at the Pierian Centre at 4pm tomorrow (Saturday), and will speak about the issues facing Zimbabwean refugees. He is also performing at Fiddlers in Bedminster at 10pm that night.

The charity Refugee Action is supporting the event, and Peter Hammond, former Deputy Leader of Bristol City Council, will also take part.

Mr Mapfumo, who is known as ‘The Lion of Zimbabwe’,  popularised Afro-pop-soul music "Chimurenga", which means "struggle" in Shona. He was a strong voice in the opposition movement against the Rhodesian government in the 1970s.

Forward Maisokwadzo, the chair of the Bristol Zimbabwean Association, said: "Thomas Mapfumo is a hero to Zimbabweans for the political influence he wields through his music. He both created and made popular Chimurenga music which started as the sound of the revolution. I would encourage anyone to come down to the Pierian Centre and the Fiddlers, whether they are already a fan or they are curious to witness a living legend discussing his opinion s and playing some great music."

Elinor Harris, area manager of Refugee Action in Bristol, said: "We are delighted to be supporting this amazing event. Many Zimbabweans who have fled persecution have made Bristol their home and have contributed to our community. Thomas Mapfumo has given a voice to their plight and their suffering and we are honoured that he chose to highlight the situation of refugees in Bristol on his visit to England."

Bristol Hospitality Network provide accommodation to destitute asylum seekers

Submitted by Forward on Mon, 24/08/2009 - 14:53

Asylum-seekers based in Bristol who are left destitute by gaps in the asylum process will now be able to find alternative accommodation thanks two houses donated to Bristol Hospitality Network (BHN), and a network of local people offering a spare room.

Currently under the umbrella of Bristol Refugee Rights (BRR) - which runs a drop-in centre for asylum-seekers in Easton and presses for changes to the system that denies them their human rights - BHN is a working group looking into issues of housing for destitute asylum-seekers in Bristol.

"We support and recruit hosts for asylum seekers who attend BRR's services at the Welcome Centre in Easton, and have become ineligible for support," BHN said in a statement explaining the work of the group.

" Since being donated two houses, we are also in the process of setting these up to be able to house up to seven male destitute asylum seekers for short and long stays, and two wardens who will contribute to the running costs of the house."

BHN is appealing for help in any of the following ways:

1. If you are interested in offering temporary hospitality to a destitute asylum seeker in your own home, please contact the network for more information. We will arrange to meet you and discuss our ethos and the specifics of your situation before inviting you to host someone in your house.

2. In our projected budget for the two new houses, there is currently a £160/month deficit in funding. If you would be interested in making a small regular donation, like £5/month, please get in touch for more information.

3. We need several more trustees and a treasurer, preferably with experience in housing. If you are interest in a voluntary role of this sort, we would love to talk with you further.

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