Student Action for Refugees - New year for the STAR Network

We’re really excited for the new academic year. In person events are back and the STAR network is ready! Despite the government’s hostile policies, STAR groups have been volunteering with local organisations, campaigning nationally and learning together.

The STAR team has sent out freshers boxes full of STAR goodies, assisted and developed new STAR groups and provided essential guides and resources to help STAR groups plan their year. STARs across the country have been busy with freshers stalls, taking action against the Rwanda plan by filling the skies with hope and planning engaging events.

Here’s a quick look at what STAR groups have done so far:

Freshers week

Freshers week provided the perfect opportunity for STAR groups to spread the message of making the UK a more welcoming place for refugees and people seeking asylum. STAR groups distributed leaflets, stickers and postcards and recruited many new STAR members!

Taking action

Fill the Skies With Hope
From London to Glasgow, STAR groups have been participating in the Fill the Skies with Hope campaign to send a clear message to the new Prime Minister. In stark contrast to the hostile plans of the government, STAR groups have shown that refugees and people seeking asylum are welcome in the UK and that the government needs to end the cruel scheme to send refugees to Rwanda.

Stop Rwanda Rally
Last month STAR Equal Access Activist and former President of Birkbeck STAR, Abdullah, have a passionate speech to crowds at the #StopRwanda rally in London

No to Hassockfield National Demo
On Saturday 15th October, Durham STAR attended the No to Hassockfield national demonstration to show solidarity with those are detained and called for the end to immigration detention everywhere.

Learning and changing minds

‘Flee’ film screening

UCL STAR held a film screening of ‘Flee’. The animated documentary tells the story of Amin Nawabi as he opens up for the first time about his past journey as a child refugee from Afghanistan, travelling across Russia, being deported and attempting to reach Denmark, a secret he has long kept hidden as he fears it could derail the life he has now built for himself.

After the film, STAR members engaged in a fruitful discussion about the film.

Solidarity and Migration Speaker event
York STAR is set to hold a speaker event where two members of York’s politics department will speak about solidarity and migration. The event will take place on Tuesday 25th October.

The future

Looking ahead, STAR groups are planning more exciting events that will help students to learn more about refugee rights and the UK asylum system, raise awareness about current government policy, and support STAR’s national campaigns. Join your local STAR group to find out about all the upcoming events.

If your university does not have a STAR, why not start one? Email us for more information studentnetwork@star-network.org.uk.

Refugees are welcome here!