courage, solidarity and action in Kent
Community: some of the conference delegates
Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN) and Right to Remain have co-hosted the first Kent Solidarity Regional Conference.
More than 70 people from community groups and organisations across east Kent attended the Canterbury event on Wednesday (22 April). They were welcomed by KRAN Patrons Gavin Esler (writer and broadcaster) and Lord Alf Dubs (former child refugee, politician and campaigner).
KRAN Youth Ambassadors Ibrahim, Luwam and Shahab, and Media Ambassador Rishan - representing the young, unaccompanied asylum seekers and refugees the charity supports - were among the presenters.
Delegates shared learning and knowledge, held courageous conversations and made a commitment to future actions. They agreed on a collective statement of solidarity: “Our Kent communities believe that together, we can create a peaceful, inclusive and just society that celebrates our common humanity.”
KRAN CEO Dr Razia Shariff says: “These communities are the front line of welcome. It is crucial that we are bold, brave, creative and courageous, just like our young people.
“This is the beginning of a journey where communities across Kent proactively work together to build bridges. We must strive to be understanding in a nurturing, unified space where all people are valued, recognised and appreciated.”
Right to Remain Director Eiri Ohtani says: “It was a real pleasure to be part of this enthusiastic and determined group of people committed to act in solidarity for common humanity.
“Right to Remain has worked with many groups across the UK who are on a similar path. Collectively, we have the power to create a society that protects us all - and we will continue to stand alongside KRAN to nurture it.”
Act Build Change supported the conference and Director of Organising Ariel Whitson says: "It was deeply inspiring to feel the energy in the room - guided by the voices of KRAN’s young people. We look forward to continuing to work with KRAN and the others in the room and supporting them on the actions they've committed to."
Right to Remain is a national migration justice organisation, working with communities, groups and organisations across the UK. It provides information, resources, training and assistance to help people to establish their right to remain. It also challenges injustice in the immigration and asylum system. rightoremain.org.uk Registered charity (1192934).
In 2018, Act Build Change began its mission to transform the way communities organise and in turn, our lives and society at large. It began as a scrappy, open-source training site. Now, it is a transformative organising school that travels across the UK to support groups to grow teams, build power and take action together. actbuildchange.com