Birmingham Celebrates 10 Years as a City of Sanctuary – A City for Everyone
Birmingham proudly marked a decade of being recognised as a City of Sanctuary at a special event held at the Council House.
The celebration brought together elected members, community leaders, sanctuary seekers, partner organisations and residents to honour Birmingham’s unwavering commitment to inclusion and welcome for people from all backgrounds.
Birmingham was one of the first cities to offer sanctuary and support and celebrates ten years of our inclusive city being a City of Sanctuary – a decade of commitment to welcome, compassion and community. This fantastic milestone also marks Birmingham City Council’s partnership with the volunteer-led Birmingham City of Sanctuary group whose incredible dedication and work across sector’s has helped shape the city into a place of safety and belonging.
The event reflected Birmingham’s identity as a city built on diversity, compassion and resilience. Guests celebrated the contributions of refugees, asylum seekers and communities from across the globe who have enriched the city’s culture, economy and social fabric. Local organisations, schools, faith groups and volunteers were recognised for embedding sanctuary values and promoting equality across Birmingham.
Speaking at the event, Cllr 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; which Birmingham as always been throughout our history. As global challenges grow, our commitment to being a welcoming city remains stronger than ever.
“We are proud as a city to be part of the wider National City of Sanctuary movement, and this celebration is also a recognition of the incredible work undertaken by Birmingham City of Sanctuary group.”
Reflecting on the significance of the event, an attendee commented: “It was an honour to be part of the 10th anniversary to celebrate Birmingham as a City of Sanctuary. 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. 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.”
The evening served as a powerful call to action for continued advocacy, support and inclusive policy-making, ensuring Birmingham remains a city where diversity is celebrated and every person has the chance to thrive.
For more information on Birmingham’s commitment to sanctuary and inclusion, and to learn how you can get involved, visit Birmingham City of Sanctuary.
