A District of Sanctuary is a place of safety and welcome for people who have fled situations of extreme danger in their own countries.
Craven District of Sanctuary began in June 2022 with a motion to join, proposed by Councillor Chris Rose, passed unanimously at a full meeting of Craven District Council. It was registered with City of Sanctuary in February 2023.
“Councillors have supported Craven applying to join a long list of cities and towns across the UK committed to showing their support for refugees and asylum seekers and to create a culture of welcome.
Councillor Robert Ogden told a meeting of the District Council that it was important and significant because of what was going on in the world.
He said at the policy meeting, there had been Afghanistan and more recently, the war in Eastern Europe, in Ukraine. By calling it a ‘district of sanctuary’ instead of a ‘city’ of sanctuary, the name would reflect the rural area of Craven”
“By signing the City of Sanctuary pledge, Craven will commit to be a welcoming place of safety for all and be proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution.”
Quotes are from a report to the committee and written in a Craven Herald report 24 June 2022
In April 2023 Craven District Council became part of the new North Yorkshire Council but Craven District of Sanctuary continued and still covers the geographic area of the previous District Council which includes Bentham, Ingleton, Settle, Malhamdale, Upper Wharfedale, Grassington, Skipton and South Craven.
We are grateful for the support of the previous District Councillors and the group continues to be chaired by Chris Rose.
The group works closely with the new North Yorkshire Council and has been busy developing an Action Plan and organising events for Refugee Week 2023.
Photos from an event in Skipton library to launch the group’s Action Plan
June 2023