Siân Summers-Rees, Chief Officer City of Sanctuary UK, reflects on the Welsh Government reiterating the ambition to become the first Nation of Sanctuary following a worrying rise of divisive rhetoric and hostility.

Wales’ journey toward becoming a Nation of Sanctuary began in 2012 when City of Sanctuary founder Rev Inderjit Bhogal recognised our nation’s deep-rooted values of community spirit, kindness, and welcome. This vision built upon Swansea’s pioneering role as Wales’ first City of Sanctuary in 2010, becoming the second such city in the UK to formally welcome people fleeing war and persecution.

In the years since, the Nation of Sanctuary movement has flourished across Wales, garnering vital support from the Welsh Government, local authorities, and the third sector. We’ve witnessed particular growth in our Schools of Sanctuary programme, while the remarkable response to the Ukrainian crisis – with thousands of Welsh households opening their homes – exemplified our nation’s commitment to sanctuary in action.

Yet we face challenges. A concerning rise in negative rhetoric around sanctuary seekers to divide our communities. We have personally witnessed far-right groups in Wales targeting City of Sanctuary for promoting basic values of kindness within schools. These groups fundamentally misrepresent Welsh values and identity. Their attempts to spread fear and hatred stand in direct opposition to our nation’s character and traditions.

The path to truly becoming a Nation of Sanctuary requires collective action. We must stand united against those who seek to divide us, and actively champion sanctuary within our communities. This is not just about maintaining our heritage of welcome – it’s about building a stronger, more inclusive Wales for future generations.

Pic: Welsh Refugee Coalition