The University of Leeds has officially been awarded University of Sanctuary status.
This is a recognition of its longstanding commitment to supporting academics at risk and fostering a culture of inclusivity.
For several years, the university has partnered with CARA (Council for At Risk Academics), providing sanctuary to displaced scholars through fellowships and research opportunities. This support extends to PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, researchers and academics forced to flee conflict and persecution.
Sian Summer-Rees, Chief Officer at Universities of Sanctuary, commended the university’s “impressive effort” and praised its achievements in nurturing a “sense of welcome and belonging.”
The sanctuary work at Leeds extends beyond campus, rooted in community partnerships with Leeds City Council and local support groups. Leeds itself is a City of Sanctuary, a city-wide movement that reflects the shared values of inclusivity and compassion.
Among those directly impacted by the university’s sanctuary initiatives is Mustafa Mohammadi, 32, who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
Mustafa Mohammadi via LinkedIn
Previously an academic at a university in Bamyan, central Afghanistan, Mustafa is now pursuing a PhD in information management at Leeds through the CARA fellowship.
Speaking to the University of Leeds, Mustafa reflected on the challenges in his home country: “Having a daughter in Afghanistan is really hard. Hard in terms of how society behaves, and it’s very limited in the opportunities you can present your children with.”
Mustafa said now his wife can “grow and flourish” and he can give his daughter “a future [she] can dream about.”
Freedom of speech as an academic is of utmost importance to Mustafa, and Leeds as a place of sanctuary has allowed him to write and speak about the things that matter to him.
Academic Kawita Sarwari also found sanctuary at the university, having fled Afghanistan in 2021 when the Taliban banned women from education. She is now studying for her PhD at the School of Education.
She credits the “profound and lasting” support from the University and CARA.
The University of Leeds
On hearing the news of the university’s award, Sarwari said: “I felt deeply moved and proud. It’s more than a title; it’s a symbol of commitment to human rights and academic freedom.”
This award recognises the university’s ongoing dedication towards societal impact and tackling inequalities, alongside the City of Sanctuary network, which is a national initiative welcoming refugees and asylum seekers, operating across Britain.
Professor Shearer West, vice-chancellor and president of the University of Leeds, said: “We are incredibly proud that the University of Leeds has officially been awarded University of Sanctuary status.
“This recognition honours the compassion, commitment and collaborative spirit of our entire community, whose tireless efforts have created a welcoming and supportive environment.”
Professor Jeff Grabill, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for student education and experience, added that the status will “create real and lasting change with the university, building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Featured image via Canva/LinkedIn
