Vigil, party and sleep-out in solidarity with refugees in Birmingham

IMCista | 23.06.2007 00:24 | Migration | Birmingham

As part of Refugee Week, the Birmingham Anti-Racist Campaign (ARC) organised a candlelit vigil today to remember asylum seekers who took their own lives and protest against the government's racist policies. After reading out the 40+ victims' sad stories and some short speeches, there was some nice African, Kurdish and Iranian live music. Food Not Bombs also served some nice food. Many people then stayed over for the annual Refugee Sleep-out to highlight the problem of destitution that many asylum seekers suffer from. The event was sponsored by Celebrating Sanctuary and supported by many groups and organisations, including the National Coalition of Anti-Deportation Campaigns and Birmingham NoBorders.

reading out the names and stories of the dead

symbolic grave stones

their names and stories displayed again

the info stall

Kurdish melodies

setting up a 'tent' for the sleep-out

There will be a rally tomorrow, organised by ARC as well, to protest against Home Office attacks on refugees - Outside Birmingham Council House, Victoria Square, 12 noon to 2.30pm.

IMCista