News / afghanistan
Plea for private landlords in Bristol to provide homes for refugees fleeing Afghanistan
A former interpreter from Afghanistan who sought sanctuary in Bristol has spoken of what it means to know his family is now safe.
“For us, the future of our children is everything,” says Mohammed Zaher, who worked alongside British forces in Kabul for more than 14 years.
“My family and I are thankful to be resettled in the UK because we are safe; my family are safe, my children are safe.”
is needed now More than ever
Describing Bristol and its people as “beautiful”, Mohammed says his children now have a chance to realise their dreams of becoming footballers and doctors.
Mohammed and his family feature in a video released by Bristol City Council asking for private landlords with properties available to come forward and provide homes for other families seeking refuge after fleeing persecution in Afghanistan.
Mayor Marvin Rees last week confirmed the city is seeking to offer sanctuary to ten families and said more government resource is needed to extend this.
Appealing to landlords, mayor Marvin Rees says: “We’ve all been concerned about the desperate situation unfolding in Afghanistan. The need to ensure the safety of our colleagues who have supported us so faithfully over the last 20 years is immediate.
“These colleagues have stood shoulder to shoulder with us as allies and we must do all we can to thank them for the support and commitment they have shown to the UK.
“To do that we need landlords to offer us properties so we can house those who have risked their lives to support us.”
Rees continues: “As a City of Sanctuary, we are committed to welcoming and supporting refugees.
“Right now, we are working with the Home Office to resettle vulnerable families through the Afghan resettlement scheme. We are looking for landlords with vacant properties so we can offer homes to these families in Bristol.”
All rents are guaranteed and paid for by the government. More information is available via www.bristol.gov.uk/housing-for-business-and-professionals/afghan-resettlement-programme.
Main photo by Ellie Pipe
Read more: ‘We are a city of sanctuary’ – Bristol responds to Afghanistan crisis
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