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Meet Gaida: a City of Sanctuary of Ambassador

My name is Gaida. As a refugee, sanctuary means many things to me.

It implies shelter, which I lost for years. A home after I was forced to flee my previous home forever. After living in many countries I lost my feel of belonging. I was just a number.
Sanctuary means my dignity as a human being has now been restored. I am now recognised as a person with ability.

Simply, sanctuary means I have the precious opportunity to rebuild my life in peace and safety.

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After being forced to flee her home in Sudan, Gaida found sanctuary in the UK. She is now a refugee rights activist, campaigning for more people to get the second chance that she got.
Gaida is one of our incredible City of Sanctuary ambassadors.

This is what sanctuary means to her – what does it mean to you?