Swansea Council has recently voted to reaffirm its commitment to being both a City of Sanctuary and a Human Rights City. The decision confirms the Council’s ongoing support for policies and practices that promote inclusion, dignity, and safety for people seeking sanctuary. 

Swansea holds a significant place in the history of the sanctuary movement as the first city in Wales to be designated a City of Sanctuary under the previous City of Sanctuary UK awards system. 

The commitment from the council strengthens the important work already taking place every day across the city, including in schools, libraries, community centres, parks, places of worship, and partner organisations involved in creating welcoming spaces for all residents. 

Swansea City of Sanctuary remains committed to working with the Council as it continues to strengthen its approach to welcome, and we look forward to continue working with the Council in an opportunity to reflect and celebrate progress so far, highlight effective practice, and identify areas where the commitment to welcome can be further embedded across local authority services. 

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone involved in supporting this motion and for the continued efforts across Swansea to ensure that the city remains a place where people feel safe, valued, and able to participate fully within our community.

Image: West Cross Swansea Bay Cycle Path by Lewis Clarke