A new centre to protect migrant rights opens in Bristol

Submitted by Poushali Mitra

On 10 December, 2010 a new migrant’s support centre –Migrant Rights Centre Bristol (MRCB)- was inaugurated to help migrants adjust better with the multicultural environment of the city.

Christien van den Anker, Director of MRCB, welcomed the opening of the centre on the Human Rights Day – 10 December. “The centre will cater to the needs of migrants in Bristol. We will provide support, advocacy and campaign to protect the rights of migrants who are often made to work in exploitative circumstances,” said Christien also a Reader in Politics at University of the West of England.

Cllr. Sue O’ Donnell, the chair of Community Cohesion and Safety Scrutiny Commission, said: “The launch of MRCB is welcome news especially after the Bristol City Council agreed to endorse the city’s status as City of Sanctuary on 16 November 2010.”

City Of Sanctuary is a drive to make Bristol more hospitable and friendly to the migrant population who have been forced to flee their homeland and seek safe shelter in UK.

MRCB is located at 27 Portland Sqaure, St Paul’s, Bristol, BS2 8SA and can be contacted by calling 01179244512. The centre will be running a drop in session every Friday from 10 to 12 in the morning. Do drop in to have a chat about your situation. You will also find members of our team there to help you with your education needs.