Overall aims and objectives

The intention of this group is to make Belfast a welcoming environment for refugees, asylum-seekers and new communities. Wherever refugees go in our neighbourhoods we want them to feel safe and to find people who welcome them, support them, include them in their activities, recognise and celebrate what they can contribute. We want to build that same culture of welcome in our schools, workplaces, entertainment centres, places of worship and all public spaces. We hope to work with all those in public services, both at policy level and on the frontline, to ensure that an ethos of civility and welcome pervades at all times.

The Committee of Belfast City of Sanctuary is made up of refugees and asylum seekers and people new to Belfast in addition to those who are native to Belfast