That this Council:
(a) notes that:
(i) more than 4 million Syrians have been forced to flee their homeland over the last five years as a result of the Syrian war; and
(ii) although the vast majority of Syrian refugees are living in temporary camps in neighbouring countries such as Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, increasing numbers are seeking sanctuary in Europe;
(b) believes the Government’s response to the refugee crisis has been grossly inadequate and calls on the Government to do more;
(c) is proud of Sheffield’s reputation as the ‘City of Sanctuary’, having participated in the Government’s Gateway Protection Programme for the last 11 years;
(d) believes Sheffield has a strong tradition of helping those fleeing war and persecution, and believes our city should play its part in the current crisis;
(e) welcomes the Council’s offer to the Government to resettle Syrian refugees this year and notes that the costs involved in supporting these families for the first year will be met by the Government;
(f) is in dialogue with the Government about meeting any additional costs of resettlement, if the needs of the new arrivals require;
(g) thanks local people for their generosity in donating items at the Town Hall including tents, sleeping bags and winter clothing for vulnerable people stranded in refugee camps in France; and
(h) thanks the volunteers, voluntary sector, and those who give funding to them to help refugees in our city, including Voluntary Action Sheffield, Assist, City of Sanctuary, Northern Refugee Centre and many others.
Minutes:
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Syrian Refugees |
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RESOLVED: On the Motion of Councillor Julie Dore, seconded by Councillor Colin Ross, that this Council:- |
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(a) notes that:
(i) more than 4 million Syrians have been forced to flee their homeland over the last five years as a result of the Syrian war; and
(ii) although the vast majority of Syrian refugees are living in temporary camps in neighbouring countries such as Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, increasing numbers are seeking sanctuary in Europe;
(b) believes the Government’s response to the refugee crisis has been grossly inadequate and calls on the Government to do more;
(c) is proud of Sheffield’s reputation as the ‘City of Sanctuary’, having participated in the Government’s Gateway Protection Programme for the last 11 years;
(d) believes Sheffield has a strong tradition of helping those fleeing war and persecution, and believes our city should play its part in the current crisis;
(e) welcomes the Council’s offer to the Government to resettle Syrian refugees this year and notes that the costs involved in supporting these families for the first year will be met by the Government;
(f) is in dialogue with the Government about meeting any additional costs of resettlement, if the needs of the new arrivals require;
(g) thanks local people for their generosity in donating items at the Town Hall including tents, sleeping bags and winter clothing for vulnerable people stranded in refugee camps in France; and
(h) thanks the volunteers, voluntary sector, and those who give funding to them to help refugees in our city, including Voluntary Action Sheffield, Assist, City of Sanctuary, Northern Refugee Centre and many others. |
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(Note: Councillors Pauline Andrews, Keith Davis and John Booker voted for Paragraphs (a), (b), (d) and (f) to (h) and abstained on Paragraphs (c) and (e) of the Motion and asked for this to be recorded.) |