Many UK councils have passed motions to become a recognised ‘City of Sanctuary’.
This commits the council to be a safe and welcoming place for those fleeing persecution and seeking to build a life in the area. It also acknowledges the role the council must play to promote community cohesion and support those who find themselves the victims of racism, discrimination, fear and intimidation.
Below is a template motion calling on your council to become a formal city of sanctuary and to support the aims of the movement within council strategies and policies:
This Council recognises:
- The important role it plays in welcoming people who are fleeing violence and persecution by offering them safety and sanctuary. We also recognise we play a central role within our community to promote cohesion and to support those who are the victims of racist abuse and discrimination
- The need for [AREA NAME] to promote the welfare and inclusion of all people fleeing violence, persecution or who are isolated and seeking safety
- The importance of supporting the vulnerable, the homeless, the isolated, and all residents in need
- The positive contribution made in our local communities by refugees and those seeking asylum or safety
This council therefore resolves to:
- Join the network of cities and towns which promote the inclusion and welfare of people fleeing violence and persecution and become a recognised “City of Sanctuary”
- Promote the inclusion and welfare of all who find themselves, homeless, destitute or isolated.
- Continue to be a welcoming place of safety for all by encouraging integration, community cohesion and challenging discrimination and discriminatory language of all kinds, in all forms, by politicians of all parties.
- Continue to promote diversity through recognition and celebration of our different cultures and communities across [AREA NAME]
- To encourage other anchor institutions and key stakeholders to become part of the City of Sanctuary movement
- To bring back a report to Cabinet within three months outlining what practical steps this Council will take to embed the core values of City of Sanctuary into our services and how we can further link in to communities and organisations working towards the same aims, and address the pressure placed on Councils and those granted asylum by the proposed shortening of time allocated to find permanent accommodation