International Migrants Day: Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s continuing commitment as a City of Sanctuary
Ahead of International Migrants Day on 18 December, Cllr John Cotton looks at how Â鶹ÊÓƵ continues to honour its commitments as a City of Sanctuary.
will be marked around the world on Sunday, to celebrate migration and how migrants have helped to build and shape our world.
Â鶹ÊÓƵ is a city that has been built on migration and our diversity is our greatest strength. It is the bedrock of our thriving businesses, and our flourishing arts, culture and sports. Their journeys, their contribution and their stories are an integral part of Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s rich history and exciting future.
This is why our status as a City of Sanctuary is so important. Â鶹ÊÓƵ has long been known for its warm welcome, and for being a place where people can seek refuge and build new lives free from war and persecution.
Last month, Â鶹ÊÓƵ was awarded official status as a , and we are committed to living up to this accolade. We will strive to ensure that migrants to Â鶹ÊÓƵ are welcomed and supported to become active and fulfilled citizens – and our Refugees and Migration team runs various projects to meet these aims.
Since the war began in Ukraine earlier this year we have welcomed people to Â鶹ÊÓƵ through the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme, along with arrivals under the , and other migrants who arrive fleeing war, violence, and persecution. To support people find information and services, and to learn English, two important websites were launched this year - the and the .
Earlier this month (12 December), a group of migrants enjoyed a guided tour of the Council House, hearing about the architecture, paintings and role of the Council Chamber. This was part of the – which is an EU funded programme supporting migrant engagement in local democracy – and their experience on the tour has ignited their enthusiasm to become active citizens.
Â鶹ÊÓƵ also supports the , calling for the right to work for people who have sought asylum in the UK, many of whom have valuable skills and experience that they want to use. To get involved now, to help bring businesses on board.
Last week, the City Council also backed my call for cross party support to
In passing this motion we became the first council in the UK to sign the that pledge and defend migrants’ rights to seek safety from war and persecution in the UK – which I think further strengthens our commitment as City of Sanctuary.
If you wish to join in celebrating International Migrants Day, and have collaborated on a week of action on 12-18 December
Join in by sharing positive messages on Twitter using hashtags #ItTakesACommunity #Migrants Day and tagging @IOM_UK @IMIX_UK @UNMigration. support you. Get tweeting, and Happy International Migrants Day.
Cllr John Cotton is Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities.
This post was published on 16 December 2022