Wales are on track to resettling its fair share of Syrian refugees, new Home Office statistics released today [24 May] reveal.
Between January and March 2018, 75 Syrian refugees were re-settled in Wales across seven different Local Authorities through the Vulnerable Resettlement Scheme.
According to estimates by the Welsh Refugee Council in 2015, Wales could take 1,600 refugees. So far, a total of 720 have been welcomed since the scheme started in 2015.
Kirsty Davies-Warner, Head of Oxfam Cymru said;
“These figures are very encouraging, and shows that Wales is still committed to taking our fair share of refugees.
People and groups across Wales have shown a real willingness to welcome refugees into their communities, and Local Authorities are always looking for ways to support and resettle refugees to their areas. I hope that this is a sign that Wales is taking the necessary steps to becoming a Nation of Sanctuary.
“However, the Syrian conflict is showing no signs of ceasing, and it’s as important as ever that we in Wales continue to offer warm welcome to those fleeing from unimaginable violence and hardships.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor
- The latest Home Office figures can be found by following this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-statistics-year-ending-march-2018/how-many-people-do-we-grant-asylum-or-protection-to
- Oxfam are focusing on rehabilitating the water infrastructure, and have provided clean water to more than 1.5 million people from 10 governorates and are working on public health promotion, solid waste management, and supporting livelihoods.
- The Syrian conflict is now in its eight year, and over 400,000 lives have been lost, and over half of the country’s population has fled. Neighbouring countries have taken 5.6 million refugees, but with fighting still going on, it is as important as ever that Wales is still keeping on track to welcome more.