Vigil held in Glossop to mark Refugee Week

Members of High Peak Against Racism gathered in Norfolk Square in Glossop on Wednesday 17th June, for a vigil in support of refugees and asylum seekers.

The event formed part of Refugee Week, an annual international programme of events celebrating the contributions of refugees while raising awareness of the challenges faced by people forced to flee their homes. This year's theme was "Courage". 

Organisers said the theme reflected the courage required by people seeking safety in another country, the challenges of building a new life in an unfamiliar culture, and the willingness of communities to welcome those arriving from elsewhere. 

During the vigil, High Peak Against Racism renewed calls for the Government to establish safe routes for refugees to travel to the UK, allow asylum seekers to work while their claims are being processed, and provide greater support for those granted permission to remain in the country so they don't end up living on the street. 

Peter Allen, chair of the group, said: "Resentment of refugees, and all migrants, is being stirred up by right wing politicians, and most of it is based on myths. 

"Isolated incidents of violence by people of colour are being used to provoke rioting and hate crime against innocent people. The notion that police are biased against white people is ludicrous, and doesn't stand up to scrutiny of the facts." 

As part of Refugee Week, Glossop Library has also created a display of books exploring themes of refugees and migration, aimed at both children and adults. 

Refugee Week was established in the UK in 1998 and takes place each year around World Refugee Day on 20th June. It has since grown into a global movement involving millions of participants across more than 20 countries, with events designed to bring people together, challenge misconceptions and promote understanding of the experiences of displaced people.