How sanctuary can work for Wales
There has been a lot of debate about what being a Nation of Sanctuary really means. And with the Senedd elections just six months away, it’s more important than ever to understand what the Nation of Sanctuary actually means in reality.
The fact is, this vision is about strengthening Wales for everyone. Its ten principles offer practical steps for sanctuary seekers to become part of communities across Wales right from day one. 
Being a Nation of Sanctuary means prioritising language learning and an early intervention approach that gets people the right help when they need it the most. It’s also about helping people become independent and creating pathways for contribution and putting down roots.
The Nation of Sanctuary vision is a plan in action to connect people with all the things we know and love about Cymru. It sets the stage for sharing older traditions and creating new ones. Ultimately, being a Nation of Sanctuary is one of many ways to support safe communities that know and understand each other.
But we don’t take any of this for granted. It’s one of the reasons why committing to the Nation of Sanctuary vision is the first pledge in our Sanctuary Coalition Cymru manifesto. Created by refugee charities and sanctuary seeking communities, this manifesto offers three clear opportunities for the 2026 Senedd to ensure sanctuary seekers have the best opportunity to grow in Wales. Each recommendation illustrates why these measures matter for:
- Our communities
- Our economy and businesses
- Our reputation and values