This year, Refugee Week takes place from 16th to 22nd June 2025, with the inspiring theme “Community as a Superpower.” Refugee Week is a week-long celebration across the UK that highlights the strength, resilience, and contributions of refugees and asylum seekers. It provides an opportunity for communities to come together, share stories, and promote inclusion, understanding, and solidarity.
As part of Refugee Week 2025, the Rohingya Centre UK (RCUK) proudly hosted “Home, Hope, and Heritage – Refugee Stories in Bradford” at Bradford City Hall. Supported by Bradford Council, the event brought together diverse communities from across Bradford to celebrate stories of survival, resilience, and the invaluable contributions refugees make to the city they now call home.
Taking place in a city honoured both as a City of Sanctuary and the UK City of Culture 2025, the event provided a powerful platform to share lived experiences from the Rohingya, Sudanese, and Gambian communities. It fostered connection, healing, and inspiration—demonstrating that refugees are defined not by displacement, but by courage, contribution, and the strength found in community.
Voices from the Community
Saber Omer, Sudanese refugee, entrepreneur, and innovator, shared:
“I came to Bradford with nothing but broken dreams and my family. But today, I stand not only as a survivor, but as a builder—of labs, of hope, of change. Refugees are not just seeking safety; we are here to lead, to heal, and to contribute.”
Kismat Ara, Rohingya refugee resettled in Bradford in 2009, reflected:
“I have received all the support I need to become who I want to be. Becoming a children’s nurse at Bradford Royal Infirmary is more than a career—it’s a way to give back to the city that welcomed me and my family. Refugees have so much to offer when given the chance and support to succeed.”
Kaddijatou Hydara, refugee from Gambia, shared:
“Bradford welcomed me and gave me a place to call home. Through skilled house, training, and volunteering, I’ve gained the experience needed to pursue my career of becoming a midwife. Refugees have much to offer when given the chance. I’m grateful to RCUK for their support to those who need it most.”
This event powerfully reminded attendees that refugees are not a burden on society. When provided with protection, opportunity, and respect, they contribute skills, creativity, and resilience—overcoming hardship to rebuild and enrich their new communities.
Mohammed Amin, CEO of RCUK, reflected:
“This event showcases the strength and spirit of Bradford’s refugee communities. Refugees bring more than stories of struggle—they bring solutions, ideas, and a determination to give back. Bradford is not just a place of sanctuary; it’s where futures are shaped. RCUK is proud to amplify these voices and support their potential.”
The Reality of Forced Displacement
With millions forced to flee conflict worldwide, it is vital to remember that no one chooses to become a refugee. Families are uprooted by war, persecution, and violence—often overnight—leaving behind homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. They arrive in unfamiliar countries without knowing the language, culture, or systems.
Extending protection and compassion is both a moral duty and a way to strengthen society as a whole. Supported refugees become doctors, educators, entrepreneurs, artists, carers, and leaders—deeply enriching their new homes.
Supporting Shared Values in Action
This event and RCUK’s work align closely with government and local policies on refugee protection, integration, and community cohesion. By empowering refugee voices, RCUK helps build inclusive, resilient communities where everyone can thrive.
We thank Bradford Council and all participants for their ongoing commitment to inclusion and sanctuary. Refugee Week 2025 reminds us that inclusion is not only a principle but a vital investment in the future of Bradford and the UK.
At RCUK, we remain dedicated to fostering a city and country rooted in Home, Hope, and Heritage where every individual is empowered, respected, and given the opportunity to succeed.