1. Belfast- City of Sanctuary?

2. 2015 – the refugee crisis

3. 2015 – the refugee crisis

4. Origins of the movement

5. Sheffield – city of sanctuary

6. Other cities follow on

7. A recognised brand

8. Streams of sanctuary
Linked by a theme, rather than geography

9. BCoS - AIMS
To promote the inclusion and welfare of refugees, asylum seekers and members of new communities, by encouraging the citizens of Belfast and their public bodies to make a public commitment to becoming a place of welcome and safety by adopting the title of ‘City of Sanctuary’.
To encourage and support local communities, public bodies and voluntary, community, educational, health, business, trade union, sports, cultural and faith organisations in welcoming and assisting asylum seekers, refugees and members of new communities.

10. BCoS - AIMS
To publicise and celebrate the contribution of asylum seekers, refugees and members of new communities, to their local communities, and to our shared society, and to challenge hostility, prejudice and discrimination against them. 
To ensure that the membership and activities of BCoS, including the Management Committee, reflect the ethos of partnership between the host community and asylum seekers, refugees and members of new communities and their representative bodies.

11. BCoS – KEY PRINCIPLES
PARTNERSHIP - between host community and refugees, asylum seekers and new communities
ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP – membership-led involving individuals, voluntary and community organisations and public bodies
NETWORKING – working closely with other organisations to ensure maximum co-operation and non-duplication
PROMOTING – promoting positive views of refugees, asylum seekers and new communities

12. BCoS – Activities and Projects
Refugee Picnic – 24 June 2018 – 400 attended. Partnership with Amnesty
Understanding Northern Ireland Politics and Culture Classes. Partnership with BURC and Belfast Met
‘A Part of Belfast Now’ exhibition and booklet. Partnership with Education Authority, Libraries NI and NICRAS
Over 100 members – Individuals and organisations. Further 200+ supporters.
Close co-operation with NICRAS and Places of Sanctuary ROI

13. BCoS – Activities and Projects ctd
Schools of Sanctuary – 11 Schools across Belfast
Universities/Colleges of Sanctuary

14. Reality check!
What actual difference would a newly arrived refugee see? How would Belfast be different than it is now? Will only ask Belfast City Council to declare Belfast a City of Sanctuary when there are very clear comittments and actions by public bodies and wider community to make Welcome a reality.