The borough has been awarded a ‘Sanctury Award’ by community building organisation
Kingston has been awarded a ‘Sanctuary Award’, in recognition of the borough’s efforts to create a safe environment for people seeking refuge as well as promoting the safeguarding and rights of asylum seekers in the UK.
Kingston Council worked with voluntary and education groups to achieve the title, including Refugee Action Kingston, St Mary’s Ukrainian School and Connect North Korea who help asylum seekers to find homes, works and build futures in Kingston and across South West London.
The award is given by City of Sanctury UK which is a community-led movement and network of local groups working to create for asylum seekers and refugees. The work is achieved through local action, education and practical support to build better futures for those seeking a new home in the UK.
The award also recognises the work of people who have used these services themselves and now volunteer to support others. They provide direct care and advice to people seeking sanctuary in Kingston.
Councillor Sabah Hamed, the portfolio holder for adult social care, public health and equalities and Co-Chair of the People Committee said: “We are committed to being a fair and inclusive borough here in Kingston, where people have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.”
Councillor Hamed highlighted the work in integrating newcomers to Kingston.
Hamed said: “We are proud to champion community-led resettlement and integration and this award is testament to the strength of our partnerships with the voluntary sector and communities across the borough.”
The award marks the end of a process which began in 2022 when Kingston Council passed the ‘City of Sanctuary motion’.
At the time the council noted in a meeting on the proposed notion:
“Both national narratives and Home Office policy, particularly the Hostile Environment and the policy of No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) have often pitted asylum seekers and residents against each other; this denying to both parties their common humanity and aspirations and demonising some of our Borough’s most vulnerable residents.”
The council referred to The Universal Declaration of Human Rights from the UN General Assembly 1948, which proclaimed that “all people have a legal right to seek asylum however they arrived in a country;”.
Almost exactly three years later, the council has been nationally recognised for its commitment to welcoming asylum seekers.
