Accessibility statement

York recognised as a University of Sanctuary

Posted on 14 January 2021

LFA Tutor plays a role in expanding access to refugee and asylum seekers in the local community

The University of York has recently achieved a 'University of Sanctuary' award in recognition of its sector-leading efforts to expand access for refugee and asylum seekers.

Dr Ahmed Khaleel (Tutor of Arabic - Languages for All programme, Dept. Language and Linguistic Science), is a member of the University of York panel which worked on the application for the university to become a ‘University of Sanctuary’. The award, led by the charity City of Sanctuary, recognises the efforts of the University's students and staff to welcome forced migrants into the community and promote a culture of inclusion. Because of his contribution to York City since 2017, Dr Khaleed has recently been elected Chair of York City of Sanctuary Board of Trustees. 

Dr Ahmed Khaleel’s speech at the opening of first Universities of Sanctuary conference held in York: Speaking from Experience: Ahmed Khaleel

"I have been a member of the York City of Sanctuary board of trustees since 2017. It means a lot to me to be part of this great charity foundation, with my colleagues there who work hard to make York a true city of sanctuary. Our mission is to help, in the best way we can, everyone who is in need of help. Being a chair means a lot to me, but doesn’t change the fact that  I still see myself, in terms of contribution to the wellbeing of YCoS, less than my colleagues." - Dr Ahmed Khaleel, Dept. Language and Linguistic Science, University of York 

As a way to keep his heritage alive and to share his passion for Arabic language and culture, Dr Khaleel is also a poet and translator. His soon-to-be published article tackles six World War II poems by Iraqi poet Muhammad Mahdi al-Jawahiri (1900-1997). It examines the relationship between poetry and history and highlights the effect of al-Jawahiri’s poetry in mobilizing the masses and his ability to cover international events, while situating them in an Arab context to reflect Iraq’s immediate political reality. Dr Ahmed Khaleel’s article will be published by Alif: Journal of Comparative Poetics in May 2021.

To read more about Dr Ahmed Khaleel and his story as a Iraqi human rights activist in UK: