Greenwich pledges support for Afghan refugees amid calls for the government to provide resources

The Royal Borough of Greenwich has pledged to support Afghan refugees amid calls for the government to provide councils with resources.

Greenwich Council confirmed today that it will accept refugees from Afghanistan and “provide all the support it can for people fleeing the country”.

Cllr Danny Thorpe, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “The Royal Borough of Greenwich has a proud history of supporting those fleeing war and persecution who want to make our borough their home.

“Last year, we passed a motion to start the process to become a Borough of Sanctuary, because we believe that everyone deserves a safe place to live.

“Whilst the government has pledged to take in 5,000 Afghan refugees over the next year, we support City of Sanctuary’s call to provide refuge for an additional 10,000 as part of the global resettlement scheme.

“We also call on the government to make sure councils have the resources they need to rehouse and support families who may have experienced unimaginable trauma.”

The council cannot provide details of the number of refugees that it could take in until the details of the government’s extended Afghan refugee resettlement scheme are known.

Currently, 19 Syrian families are being supported through the Greenwich Sanctuary Project Resettlement programme.

Refugees living in the borough can also be helped by the Plumstead Community Law Centre and Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network.

Residents who want to help are being asked to donate to charities rather than bringing clothes or other items to the town hall.

If you are a refugee, asylum seeker, or migrant living in Royal Greenwich and need support, the council has services to help you.

For more information, or to make a referral, please call 020 8921 2304 or visit: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/refugeeswelcome