Highland Council aims to become a ‘Council of Sanctuary’ for ‘those fleeing persecution and violence’
Highland Council aims to ramp-up its efforts to accommodate “those fleeing persecution and violence” by becoming a “Council of Sanctuary”.
This week the housing and property committee will consider whether to move ahead with an application to be lodged to be recognised as a “Council of Sanctuary”.
That essentially entails creating “a welcoming environment for people seeking sanctuary and they are active in the wider movement of safeguarding and promoting rights for those in need of sanctuary”.
Councillors will be asked to agree to the City of Sanctuary Award process and ongoing commitment required from Highland Council.
The report referred to the existing refugee and asylum programmes in the region Highland – Syrian and Afghan Resettlements, Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children, and Ukrainian Displaced Persons.
It explained that “the Council of Sanctuary is part of a framework of awards which sits under The City of Sanctuary UK.
“City of Sanctuary UK’s vision is for UK to be a welcoming place of safety and be proud to offer a place of sanctuary from those fleeing persecution and violence”.
City of Sanctuary UK is a charity that supports a network of groups including cities, towns, villages, boroughs, and regions across the country.
It further details that: “The Sanctuary Award process is a strategic framework for culture and institutional change within a local organisation that ensures they create a welcoming environment for people seeking sanctuary and they are active in the wider movement of safeguarding and promoting rights for those in need of sanctuary.
“The award process is tailored to the specific contextual challenges and opportunities within our local authority and our role in supporting those seeking sanctuary”.
The committee will meet on Wednesday.