Hackney stands for welcome, safety, and inclusion as a Borough of Sanctuary
Hackney is officially recognised as a Borough of Sanctuary, affirming its commitment to offering safety and support to sanctuary seekers.
Hackney has been awarded Borough of Sanctuary status, recognising its long-standing commitment to welcoming and supporting refugees, migrants and people seeking asylum.
The award follows the Council’s formal application to City of Sanctuary UK and the adoption of Hackney’s Borough of Sanctuary Framework and Action Plan at Full Council in January. The Framework, co-produced with Sanctuary Ambassadors who have lived experience of seeking sanctuary, ensures the Council’s commitments reflect real experiences and practical solutions.
Granted for the next three years, the status reflects Hackney’s pledge to embed a culture of welcome, dignity and safety across all its services and partnerships. It affirms the Council’s commitment to improving services for sanctuary seekers, ensuring they feel safe, valued and empowered. The Framework and Action Plan sets out plans to achieve this, and the work has already begun - for example, the recently launched grant fund to increase the availability of immigration advice in the borough.
Hackney has a long history of migration, with people arriving in the borough for centuries in search of opportunity and safety. This has continued in recent years, in response to growing conflict and persecution worldwide. Last year marked four years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and as a result of the generosity of Hackney residents, more than 500 Ukrainians have found safety in the borough. Hackney has also welcomed a number of Afghan families affected by the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. At any given time, there are around 700 people seeking asylum and living in Hackney, most placed in the borough while their claims are processed.
“Importantly, at a time of rising hate crime and anti-migrant rhetoric nationally, Hackney’s Borough of Sanctuary status sends a clear message that this is a borough that stands firmly for inclusion, justice and shared futures.
“We recognise the significant social, cultural and economic contributions made by sanctuary seekers, which benefit the whole community. Today, our diversity remains one of our greatest strengths.
“The Council will build on strong foundations and continue working across services and with partners to make Hackney a place where everyone seeking sanctuary can belong, participate and thrive.”
Mayor of Hackney, Caroline Woodley
“Hackney has always been shaped and strengthened by migration. Becoming a recognised Borough of Sanctuary is a proud moment for our borough and a clear statement of our values.
“This award reflects the work we are already doing alongside our voluntary and community sector partners to ensure refugees, asylum seekers and migrants are welcomed with dignity and respect. Our new Framework turns that commitment into action, embedding a culture of welcome across the Council and ensuring people seeking sanctuary can feel safe, belong and thrive in Hackney.
“At a time when divisive rhetoric is on the rise nationally, Hackney is choosing to lead with compassion, fairness and solidarity.”
Cllr Carole Williams, Cabinet Member for Equalities
“Hackney Council has put forward very robust plans and a clear, long-term commitment to being a Borough of Sanctuary. What stands out is the way the Council has worked closely with people who have experienced forced displacement, ensuring their voices genuinely shape the strategy and actions. This approach, alongside the dedication of local voluntary and community sector partners, shows a strong collective commitment to creating a borough where everyone are welcomed and supported.”
Maggie Filipova-Rivers, City of Sanctuary UK Programme Manager for Local Government