Ministers want Wales to be a 'Nation of Sanctuary' for Afghan refugees
UK government announce 20,000 Afghanistan refugees will come to the United Kingdom
First Minister Mark Drakeford says Wales should become a ‘Nation of Sanctuary’ for Afghan refugees.
The UK Government have announced that 20,000 refugees from Afghanistan will come to the United Kingdom.
This will be part of a resettlement programme, as a timeline has been revealed during a debate in the House of Commons.
Yesterday (Tuesday 17 August), Drakeford took to Twitter and said: “We want Wales to be a Nation of Sanctuary and we'll do everything we can to support evacuations from Afghanistan. We're working with the Home Office and councils on preparations to support those who need it. Please call @CALL_247 - 0800132737 if you're affected by these events.”
The UK Government said that 5,000 of the Afghan refugees would be coming this year.
Labour MP for Rhondda Chris Bryant expressed concern about the speed at which the initiative will be rolled out and fears for the lives of the many who will have to wait until 2022.
In the House of Commons today (Wednesday 18 August), the Labour MP said: “The Home Secretary announced this morning that the UK will be 20,000 refugees from Afghanistan, but that only 5,000 will be able to come this year. What are the 15,000 meant to do? Hang around until they’ve been executed?”
After being questioned by Rt Hon Ian Blackford, MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, the Prime Minister agreed to have a four nations summit on the Afghanistan resettlement.
Minister for Social Justice in the Welsh government, Jane Hutt said: “We are very pleased that the Prime Minister did accept this request. We work well as a four nations. A summit is crucially important so that every part of the UK can work together, learn together, and see what role they can play to support Afghans.
“We are already engaged and committed to being a nation of sanctuary to support all of those who have been caught up in this terrible humanitarian disaster in Afghanistan. That’s why we are working hard to play our part.
“People say to me “we want to help, what can you do to help Jane?” in the street. There are people praying and working to support, and want to support these refugees because we are a nation of sanction. We want to help, we always have in Wales.”
There are many talks about girls and women who are struggling in Afghanistan which the Minister said she also has concern for.
Hutt said: “It’s a human right issue and we want to know what is happening to those girls and young women. They play important parts in Afghanistan and many will have a well-founded fear of persecution in their homeland and we want to help them.”
Eluned Morgan, Welsh Government Minister for Health and Social Services took to Twitter after Drakeford. She said: “In #Wales, we will play our part in providing sanctuary for those facing persecution. The Welsh Labour Government is working with the UK Government and our councils to help #Afghan refugees.”
Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) Leader, Cllr Andrew Morgan said: “I, along with senior local government representatives, joined an urgent phone call yesterday with the Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government to discuss the Afghan Relocation Scheme.
“We have all been shocked at the situation in Afghanistan and we were asked for Welsh local authorities continue to play their part in relocating those who have worked so hard to support UK interests, such as interpreters and their families, often putting their own lives at risk.
“Councils have been involved in ongoing discussions about what support they can provide and some families have already arrived in Wales. Each local authority will consider its own local circumstances and capacity to help to support the unfolding resettlement efforts and humanitarian response as part of the UK wide effort.”
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