Jane Hutt MS, Minister for Social Justice
Wales is a Nation of Sanctuary – there is a warm welcome here for everyone seeking safety.
In January 2019, I published our Nation of Sanctuary – Refugee and Asylum Seekers Plan, which recognises our commitment to supporting all those seeking sanctuary in Wales and underlines our commitment to supporting people needing help and assistance.
Asylum policy is a matter for the UK Government but the Welsh Government will use all its devolved powers to support refugees and asylum seekers arriving in Wales. These are the actions we believe are essential in tackling the inequalities faced by sanctuary seekers, supporting them as they settle in Wales and building cohesive communities.
In light of recent events in Afghanistan and Ukraine and the ongoing conflicts and oppression faced by people and communities around the world, I am making a gift of £1m to the Nation of Sanctuary Croeso Fund, which has been set up and is administered by the Community Foundation Wales.
This fund, which is open to donations from the public as well as from organisations across the public, private and third sector, will work with third sector organisations to support those seeking sanctuary here in Wales, now and in the future.
This gift will enable the Community Foundation Wales to progress that vital work quickly, supporting people from Ukraine arriving in Wales in the coming days and weeks, but also to support refugees and asylum seekers arriving from other countries in Wales.