Birmingham marks ten years as a City of Sanctuary

Birmingham has marked ten years as a City of Sanctuary, with a celebration at the Council House honouring the city's welcome to people fleeing war and persecution.

The event brought together councillors, community leaders, people seeking sanctuary, partner organisations and residents to celebrate a decade of the city's commitment to welcome and inclusion.

One of the first

Birmingham was one of the first cities to be recognised as a City of Sanctuary, part of a national movement of places committed to welcoming people seeking safety. The milestone also marks ten years of partnership between the city council and the volunteer-led Birmingham City of Sanctuary group.

Guests celebrated the contributions refugees, asylum seekers and communities from around the world have made to the city's culture, economy and social life. Local organisations, schools, faith groups and volunteers were recognised for their work in promoting sanctuary values and equality across the city.

"A city where everyone belongs"

Councillor Jamie Tennant, cabinet member for social justice, community safety and equalities, said: "This milestone is about more than a strategy - it is about celebrating our welcoming city. Birmingham is a city where everyone belongs, regardless of their background, faith or journey."

"For ten years, we have been recognised as a place of dignity, safety and opportunity for all. As global challenges grow, our commitment to being a welcoming city remains stronger than ever."

Lived experience

One person seeking asylum who spoke at the event said it had been an honour to take part. "There is a sense of pride speaking about what the Journey Group has done for us, and continues to do, because it has really given us that support when we needed it," they said.

"I felt satisfied that I was able to speak up for asylum seekers because, being an asylum seeker, I was able to share my lived experience which I believe is more powerful than having someone else speak up for us."

A decade of welcome

Over the past ten years, Birmingham has taken part in several national resettlement schemes. It pledged to welcome 550 refugees under the Syrian resettlement scheme, and in 2021 welcomed Afghan interpreters and their families after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, followed by further Afghan refugees in later years. Thousands of Ukrainians have also found homes in the city since the Russian invasion in 2022, many hosted by local families.

The city's long history of migration has shaped its character. From the Irish and Caribbean communities of the post-war years to newer arrivals from across the world, Birmingham is one of the most diverse cities in Europe.

A call to action

The council said the evening was also a call for continued advocacy, support and inclusive policy-making, to make sure Birmingham remains a city where diversity is celebrated and everyone has the chance to thrive.

The celebration comes at a time of intense national debate about asylum and immigration. Organisers said the anniversary was a chance to remind people of the positive difference that newcomers have made to Birmingham over generations, and of the support still needed by those arriving today.