Hackney is now a Borough of Sanctuary
Hackney has been awarded Borough of Sanctuary status, recognising its long-standing commitment to welcoming and supporting refugees, migrants and people seeking asylum.
The award follows the Council’s formal application to City of Sanctuary UK and the adoption of Hackney’s Borough of Sanctuary Framework and Action Plan at Full Council in January. The Framework, co-produced with Sanctuary Ambassadors who have lived experience of seeking sanctuary, ensures the Council’s commitments reflect real experiences and practical solutions.
Granted for the next three years, the status reflects Hackney’s pledge to embed a culture of welcome, dignity and safety across all its services and partnerships. It affirms the Council’s commitment to improving services for sanctuary seekers, ensuring they feel safe, valued and empowered.
The Framework and Action Plan sets out ways to achieve this, and the work has already begun – for example, the recently launched grant fund to increase the availability of immigration advice in the borough.
Hackney has a long history of migration, with people arriving in the borough for centuries in search of opportunity and safety. This has continued in recent years, in response to growing conflict and persecution worldwide. Last month marked four years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and because of the generosity of Hackney residents, more than 500 Ukrainians have found safety in the borough. Hackney has also welcomed Afghan families affected by the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. At any given time, there are around 700 people seeking asylum and living in Hackney, most placed in the borough while their claims are processed.
“At a time of rising hate crime and anti-migrant rhetoric nationally, our Borough of Sanctuary status sends a clear message that here in Hackney we stand firmly for inclusion, justice and shared futures.”
– Mayor Caroline Woodley