Cambridgeshire’s strong commitment to openness, tolerance and welcome is being reflected upon for International Migrants Day (18 December), as we strive to become a fairer and more caring county.
International Migrants Day was first observed in 2000 by the United Nations General Assembly. Each year it's a chance to reflect on the role migrants play in our societies, their contributions, and the challenges they face.
Cambridgeshire has a strong heritage of supporting those in need, with many of our teams and services playing an important role in welcoming refugees, migrants, and other new arrivals into our communities.
Libraries throughout Cambridgeshire received Libraries of Sanctuary status from the City of Sanctuary UK in 2023 to celebrate the work they do to demonstrate hospitality, solidarity and welcome to new arrivals in the area.
This year, Cambridgeshire Libraries partnered with a local community association in South Cambridgeshire to launch the ‘Meet. Eat. Art.’ project. Funding from the European Cultural Foundation and food donations from Cambridge Central Mosque enabled the service to launch a monthly community kitchen and arts programme, which ran from April until September 2024.
Locals and families seeking sanctuary in South Cambridgeshire were able to cook, eat and share culinary skills together, using locally sourced ingredients and culturally relevant recipes, before taking part in inclusive arts programme delivered by The Library Presents. The arts programme featured a variety of activities which were free and open to all, including music, puppetry, crafts and dance – all of which were chosen by the community.
The library service has taken positive action to ensure a culture of hospitality which means all new arrivals are welcomed, supported and included throughout library resources, events and learning opportunities hosted at Cambridgeshire Libraries.
Meet. Eat. Art. is just one of the ways we’re creating a fairer and more caring Cambridgeshire by strengthening community bonds and ensuring new arrivals feel welcomed into the county.
Our Libraries and Communities Service, in partnership with UK Welcomes Refugees, have been supporting the Hong Kong community in Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire through a series of board games welcome events. Cambridgeshire has the second largest Hong Kong community in the East of England, and the events have encouraged people of all ages from the Hong Kong community to share their experiences and make new friendships.
Support from the wider community and the popularity of the board games events has provided the opportunity for people in the Hong Kong community to meet new people in the local area. Details for future board games events will be listed on the Library.Live website.
Cllr Alex Bulat, Vice-chair of the Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee, and Migrant Champion at Cambridgeshire County Council said: “I’m proud that we are marking International Migrants Day by reflecting on being a county known for its tolerance and compassion.
“We all have a part to play in welcoming and supporting new arrivals in Cambridgeshire and as a council we are committed to making Cambridgeshire a place of safety for all.”
Ashraf Ahmed, Migration Policy and Partnership Manager for Cambridgeshire Council Council said: “As a county council we’ve supported new arrivals to Cambridgeshire through many different projects and initiatives this year.
“We are committed to being a welcoming county and established the Cambridgeshire Migration Forum with our partners in July to coordinate support and achieve our vision of becoming a fairer and more caring Cambridgeshire. I feel honoured to be a part of this journey.”
