Cambridgeshire County Council marked the first anniversary of achieving Council of Sanctuary status with a special celebration event held during Refugee Week 2026.
The event, which took place yesterday (Thursday, 18 June) at Cambridge Central Library, brought together councillors, partners, voluntary organisations, and members of the community to reflect on the council’s commitment to supporting people seeking sanctuary.
The council was officially awarded Council of Sanctuary status in March 2025, of by City of Sanctuary UK, a nationally coordinated network of organisations and services that support refugees and people seeking asylum. Cambridgeshire was one of the first county councils in the country to receive this recognition, highlighting its leadership in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for people seeking sanctuary.
The anniversary celebration provided an opportunity to recognise this milestone and the progress made over the past year and included the formal presentation of the Council of Sanctuary award.
The event featured a welcome address from the Chair of the Council, followed by a speech from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and a video message from City of Sanctuary UK.
Cllr Peter McDonald, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: "It was a privilege to mark the first anniversary of our Council of Sanctuary award with partners and communities. “This recognition reflects the collective effort across Cambridgeshire to ensure that people seeking sanctuary are welcomed, supported and able to rebuild their lives. While we are proud of what has been achieved, we remain committed to continuing this important work."
Local community and voluntary organisations shared their experiences of working in partnership with the council to support people seeking sanctuary across Cambridgeshire, highlighting the importance of collaboration in building inclusive communities.
The programme also included cultural performances, alongside opportunities for networking and viewing exhibits showcasing local initiatives.
Cllr Alex Bulat, Migrant Champion at Cambridgeshire County Council said: “Being a Council of Sanctuary is about more than a title, it is about the practical steps we take every day to support people who are building new lives in Cambridgeshire.
“Working with our partners and local communities, we are helping to create a county where people feel safe, valued and able to thrive. It was fantastic to see so many people come together to mark this anniversary and celebrate that shared commitment."
Refugee Week, held from 15 to 21 June, is the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the resilience, creativity and contributions of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
This event formed part of a wider programme of Refugee Week activities across the county.
Randhir Wanigasekara, UNHCR Deputy Representative to the UK said: “It was a privilege to join Cambridgeshire in marking this milestone. Integration starts locally – in schools, neighbourhoods and frontline services. As we mark 75 years of the 1951 Refugee Convention, and as war and violence continue to force people from their homes, leadership at every level – including locally – has never been more important. Cambridgeshire shows how practical support and partnership can help people live in safety and start to rebuild their lives in new communities.”
Cambridgeshire County Council remains committed to delivering its Sanctuary Strategy and Action Plan, ensuring services are inclusive, accessible and responsive to the needs of those seeking safety.
The council’s work to achieve and maintain Council of Sanctuary status is closely linked to its ongoing commitments to enable full, healthy lives for all and ensure fairness and opportunity wherever we can.
