For Ukrainians across the world, today will be an Independence Day like no other. Six months into the latest Russian invasion of Ukraine, thousands of people have lost their lives and millions have been displaced, forced to seek refuge far from home. Cities have been razed to the ground, wreaking unimaginable destruction, and those who have remained report terrifying conditions and widespread abuse of human rights by the occupying forces.
Throughout such unimaginable horrors, Ukrainians have shown the greatest bravery and dignity. To mark the Independence Day of Ukraine, and as a gesture of our solidarity, we were delighted this week to host a Town Hall event in honour of the 284 Ukrainian refugees who have settled in Islington since the start of the year. Alongside performances and talks on Ukrainian history and culture, over 100 Ukrainian guests had the opportunity to visit Town Hall, meet Councillors and officers, and share their experiences. We were proud also to light up Islington Assembly Hall in blue and yellow, the colours of Ukraine’s national flag.
In Islington, we are proud of our long history as a place of sanctuary for those fleeing violence and persecution. As in recent times we welcomed people from Syria and Afghanistan, so we are welcoming those escaping the conflict in Ukraine. Hundreds of Islington residents have already opened their doors to Ukrainian refugees – and with dozens more set to arrive, if you want to help but haven’t signed up yet, it’s not too late to do so.
For our part as a Council, we continue to do all we can to support our Ukrainian community – helping people find work and welcoming children into our schools. We’re also lobbying the Government to extend Homes for Ukraine support payments, while reducing bureaucracy for refugees and improving the availability and accessibility of safe and legal routes to the UK.
Following the Town Hall event, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Equalities, Culture and Inclusion, Cllr Roulin Khondoker, said:
“Islington has a long, proud history of opening its doors to refugees and migrants in need. I’m delighted that we could hold a celebration event to mark the Independence Day of Ukraine, and formally welcome to our borough and community all those who have arrived here through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.
It was an honour to speak to so many refugees, hear about their experiences, and provide a space in which they could meet each other, and the fantastic Council staff who’ve done such a great job in supporting them to settle here.
“As we reflect on the last few months and mourn the terrible loss of life in Ukraine, our support and solidarity is needed now more than ever. Islington stands ready to do just that.”