“Sheffield City of Sanctuary stands in solidarity with Ukrainians and with civilians of other nationalities fleeing war”, says Magid Magid, Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Sheffield City of Sanctuary has been shocked and alarmed by Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine and appalled by its devastating effects on the lives of civilians in the country. We deplore the UK government’s weak response to welcoming those fleeing from this war. However, locally, we welcome the declaration from Sheffield Councillors Terry Fox, leader of the council, Douglas Johnson, leader of Sheffield Green Party, and Shaffaq Mohammed, leader of Liberal Democrats, which stated:

“Sheffield is a city of sanctuary, we are proud of that fact and our city is open to those who need a safe place in their time of need. We call on our world leaders to do all that they can to ensure we all live in peace and we look forward to living in a more tolerant and respectful world.”

Alongside our list here, the national branch of City of Sanctuary has put together a list of things we can all do to help refugees from Ukraine and indeed beyond (see here).

As ever, we will continue to lobby any and all decision-makers willing to listen to foster a genuine culture of welcome for people seeking sanctuary.

Our Co-Chair of City of Sanctuary Sheffield’s Board of Trustees, Magid Magid remarks:

“This has to be a genuine moment of inflection and reflection. The tragedy unfolding in Ukraine invites us to demonstrate more than ever our solidarity with refugees. We owe it to refugees from Ukraine to help but we also owe it to refugees from other countries where conflict rages on, such as Yemen, Afghanistan, Sudan, Syria, or where tyrannical governments deny their citizens their most basic human rights to resist the culture of callous disregard. We also deplore the racist treatment of non-Ukrainians of colour, including Africans, Afghans, and Yemenis who have been facing discrimination while waiting in line at the border and while trying to access critical resources. We must stand together in our common humanity, help and protect all people fleeing from war and persecution. Our current government systematically fails to live up to this.”

“We must use this moment to affirm that those who govern can and simply must do better”.