Huw’s Views
WALES has a proud tradition of welcoming those who flee conflict, persecution and wars and this week in the Senedd the Welsh Government reaffirmed their commitment to making Wales a nation of sanctuary for all those who choose to make it their home.
The introduction of the Government’s new Nation of Sanctuary – Refugee and Asylum Seeker plan aims to tackle inequality and poverty among refugees and asylum seekers with a strong emphasis on recognising the wealth of talent, experience, skills and diversity they bring to our communities.
Developed through co-production and overlooked by the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee (of which I am now a member), the plan captures a range of actions and joined up approach needed from Welsh and UK Governments, local authorities, Welsh Refugee Coalition and the people seeking sanctuary themselves, to achieve equality of opportunities and deliver better outcomes. The plan is about supporting people to contribute fully to our country so we can unlock their potential to enrich our Welsh communities.
I was pleased to welcome the plan in the Assembly and spoke about the way in which refugees and asylum seekers (fleeing Franco, fleeing Nazi occupation, and many more over the decades) have made their homes in Wales.
Reflecting on an event I attended as Minister for Children last year in Ystradgynlais where displaced Syrian children produced an excellent film on the life of Josef Herman. An inspirational man who himself fled antiSemitism to find a home and bring his talents as a world-renowned artist to Wales.
Here’s a link to that incredible piece of work: https://bit.ly/2sZfucH
We all know seeking asylum is a human right and people forced to do so have a right to international protection, despite media reporting and political battles raising tensions in our communities.
Annual awareness events such as International Holocaust Day provide stark reminders of the horrors that can and still do occur and shows how we as a nation can provide a safe welcome to those in need and seeking sanctuary.
Last week’s deeply moving International Holocaust Day event in Bridgend College heard Bridgend Council leader Huw David powerfully enforce Bridgend’s commitment to welcoming asylum seekers and refugees fleeing persecution and conflict.
A wonderful event hosted and managed by young people, reminding us that we have to work at this day after day and for each new generation.
I am proud to live in a Nation of Sanctuary and welcome the positive diverse and advantageous impacts that these displaced people bring to our towns and communities.