The Welsh tradition of providing support for refugees from the minute they arrive in the country must continue, Communities & Tackling Poverty Minister Jeff Cuthbert said today as he announced details of a new project to help them.
Speaking before talks with the Welsh Refugee Council, he set out the case for welcoming and helping asylum seekers, especially during these tough economic times.
The Minister revealed how the Welsh Government is providing almost £600,000 to the Welsh Refugee Council for their new ‘Refugee Inclusion In Wales’ project.
The scheme will work with Refugee Community Organisations and support groups in the areas of Cardiff, Newport, Swansea and Wrexham where the UK Government sends new asylum seekers. It will provide an all Wales policy and advice service in areas of greatest need whilst aiming to avoid duplication with other services.
It will also seek to:
- Reduce hate crime and violence against women experienced by asylum seekers and refugees.
- Promote positive responses to asylum seekers and refugees among key public services.
- Improve the employment prospects of asylum seekers and refugees.
Jeff Cuthbert said:
“Asylum seekers often have no choice but to leave the country where they have grown up. They often make a very dangerous journey to find refuge – a place of safety – that they can begin to call home.
“Here in Wales we have a proud history of welcoming those fleeing persecution and war. Although immigration issues are not devolved, the Welsh Government wants this tradition to continue and that is why we are supporting projects that help refugees who have come to our shores to settle and begin to rebuild their lives and make their contribution to Wales.
“Our approach is about fairness, making sure people have the same opportunities as others no matter what their background, no matter what the odds stacked against them. We have a strong record of people from different backgrounds living harmoniously together with no tolerance for discrimination. Building on this will be fundamental to enabling Wales to flourish for current and future generations.”
