The first
Refugee Week, 1998
THE EALING REFUGEE FORUM WAS LAUNCHED DURING
NATIONAL REFUGEE WEEK.
 During 9-15 November 1998 over 90 events took place throughout
UK to celebrate the contribution to society by refugees as well as
to highlight the importance of sanctuary and respect for individual
human rights around the world. National Refugee week was co-organised
by the Refugee Council, Refaid and the United Nations
High Commission for Refugees. As part of these celebrations the
Ealing Refugee Forum with the co-operation of Ealing Council
organised several events throughout the Borough.
Ealing Refugee Forum is an independent body providing a focal point
for the co-ordination of organisations and individuals working for
refugees and asylum seekers in Ealing.
Below is a short report of two key events held in Ealing.
On 9th November 1998 between 1.30-3.30 p.m. a seminar took place at
Ealing Education Centre in Greenford about "Supporting Refugee
children in a changing national climate". Key speakers included
Jill Rutter of the refugee Council and Misak Ohanian, chair of Ealing
Refugee Forum. Approximately 30 teachers attended the seminar which
was organised by the Languages and Education Achievement Project (Leap)
of Ealing Council.
The same evening over 250 people attended the launch at the Ealing
Refugee Forum in Ealing Town Hall which included stalls and exhibitions
organised by various communities such as Armenians, Afghans, Assyrians,
Somalis, Ethiopians as well as local agencies such as the Housing
Department, Benefits Agency and Next Step.
At approximately 5 p.p. Misak Ohanian introduced the guest speakers
of the day which included the worshipful Mayor of Ealing Council Cll.
Umesh Chander, M. Elliott, West London MEP, C. Dallison (Director
of Housing & Regeneration), Sue Gomer, (Deputy Director of Housing
& Regeneration) and Diana Battaglia from the Refugee Council.
There were also messages of support and solidarity for the ERF from
The Medical Foundation, P. Khabra & C. Soley, Local MP's, Cll.
H. Benn and from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
At approximately 6 p.m. an excellent and diverse buffet dinner was
served, prepared by the participating communities. This was followed
by a international live cultural programme of music and dancing. Performances
included Martha, an excellent Latin American duo who played for an
hour, Ara Petrosyan who played Armenian wind instruments duduk
and shevie; Arek Kountarjian played Komitas on the piano; Ethiopian
and Assyrian traditional dancing. Varant and Honer finished the evening
with a selection of Armenian and Assyrian music to the delight of
the audience. This and other events were only possible with the support
of Ealing Council, particularly officers Prem Sharma, Mr Sonni-Ali
and Mr Ben Schoffield, the Trust for London, Refugee Council, Refugee
Aid and UNHCR. Congratulations to all the member organisations of
the Ealing Refugee forum, their staff and volunteers who worked so
hard not only to organise the event, but for over two years to establish
and raise the public profile of the Forum.
Martha, a Latin American duo
Ara Petrosyan playing Duduk and Shevie
Arek Kountarjian playing Komitas on the piano
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