Southwark lauded for its welcoming of refugees and asylum seekers
Southwark has been nationally recognised as a welcoming place of safety for people who are asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants.
The Borough of Sanctuary status, awarded by City of Sanctuary UK, recognises Southwark as a place that welcomes residents from all over the world, including those that are escaping war or persecution, and has measures in place to provide support, care and professional advice to these communities.
The achievement is a culmination of the council’s work with Southwark’s voluntary sector partners and refugees to deliver crucial services to people seeking sanctuary in Southwark.
Partners include, Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers, the Southwark Refugee Communities Forum, Community Southwark, the Law Centre, Panjshir Aid, United St Saviours, and Citizens Advice.
Councillor Jasmine Ali, cabinet member for children, education and refugees, said: “Southwark has a long and honourable history as a place of safety for those fleeing violence and persecution.
“More than 40 per cent of our residents were born outside of the UK, so we can say proudly, and without exaggeration, that we are one of the most diverse boroughs in the country.
“I am so happy that I made my home here. My father was a Muslim, my mother was a Christian and my partner is Jewish. I can personally attest that our multi-faith communities make everyone welcome.
“The Borough of Sanctuary award is testimony to the unbreakable partnership of Southwark’s refugee and asylum organisations, working tirelessly to help hard-pressed communities build a new life of freedom and safety in the UK.”
Classification of Southwark as a Borough of Sanctuary follows the Libraries and Heritage Service becoming the first London-based services to be awarded Libraries of Sanctuary status.
Southwark libraries have a proud history of welcoming asylum seeker, refugee, and migrant communities. They offer free membership to those groups, so they can access books, computers and Wi-Fi for free.
They also offer IT taster sessions, digital drop-in sessions, Go Citizen Support (practice for British citizenship test), events and activities for adults, children, and warm hubs.
Councillor Portia Mwangangye, cabinet member for leisure, parks and young people, said: “As a former asylum seeker, I know how important it is to have services that help people assimilate into a new environment. This is what our library services is doing for asylum seekers, refugees and migrant communities in Southwark.”
Pictured top: Southwark team involved in aiding refugees and asylum seekers (Picture: LB Southwark)