We'll Keep a Welcome… A Manifesto for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Wales
We'll Keep a Welcome…
A Manifesto for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Wales
Refugees and Asylum Seekers offer a great deal to communities across Wales but they are amongst the most vulnerable people in society today. There are fewer than 2,500 people seeking asylum in Wales - that's less than 0.1% of the total population - and around 10,000 refugees. Many live in abject poverty and require support to help them rebuild their lives.
2007 National Assembly Elections
Ahead of the 2007 Assembly Elections, politicians in all four main parties in Wales signalled their support for refugees and asylum seekers and committed themselves to improving the lives of vulnerable people in Wales. We asked the parties and their candidates to sign up to five pledges. All four parties helped implement the first pledge by promising not to campaign negatively on issues of asylum and immigration. As partners in this campaign, we are heartened by welcoming tone of the debate and the recognition that we must offer a helping hand to vulnerable people seeking safety from prosecution.
We are currently in positive discussions with the Welsh Assembly Government to progress the implementation of the remaining four pledges, and look forward to welcoming announcements on delivery shortly.
2008 Local Government Elections
In 2008 we again asked the party leaders in Wales and individual candidates to show their support and commitment not to campaign negatively on issue of asylum and immigration.
We are very pleased to announce that Rhodri Morgan, Ieuan Wyn Jones, Nick Bourne and Mike German have supported this call.
If you would like to assist us, please write to your local candidates, asking them to pledge their support. You can find the pledge here.
The 5 Pledges
- Welcome people seeking safety from persecution
- Empower refugees to rebuild their lives
- Provide fair and equal access to services
- Protect children and young people
- Develop a strong evidence base