Richmond Borough has received Borough of Sanctuary accreditation from City of Sanctuary UK, following the council's development of a three-year refugee strategy.

The organisation awards sanctuary status to local authorities that prove their commitment to supporting refugees, victims of violence, and others forced to flee their homes.

Council spokesperson for Communities, Equalities and the Voluntary Sector, Cllr Nancy Baldwin, said: "I am proud that we have come together as a borough to support and empower those who seek sanctuary here. 

"Richmond has a proud history of welcoming refugees into its community, from the arrival of Belgians during World War I, to more recent populations of displaced Afghans, Syrians, Hong Kongers, and Ukrainians. 

"This accreditation is a manifest symbol of the open and generous welcome that the people of Richmond have always provided to those fleeing repression and conflict in their home countries." 

Richmond Council say they have 'expanded the resources we direct towards refugees,' with the introduction of a new Refugee Services team, alongside a new Richmond Sanctuary Strategy and Borough of Sanctuary Fund to support voluntary and community sector groups organising their own projects.

The newly appointed Sanctuary Champion, Cllr Fiona Sacks said: "I am thrilled and humbled to be named Sanctuary Champion. I am determined that in partnership we can work to make sure everyone in our community is able to thrive, no matter where they are from or how long they have lived here. 

Meanwhile, Director of Multicultural Richmond Ravi Arora, said: "Our work never stops and we continue to break down barriers, reducing disadvantage, increasing awareness of hate crime and bringing people together from all backgrounds, cultures and races." 

Over 650 Richmond households have welcomed Ukrainians into their homes and provided accommodation. This resulted in over 1,000 Ukrainians arriving in the borough since March 2022 – the eighth highest population in London boroughs, and sixteenth highest nationally.