Minister unveils refugee aid plan

Wales has a centuries-old tradition of welcoming refugees, said Dr Gibbons

More needs to be done to ensure refugees and asylum seekers can make a full contribution to Welsh society, claims an assembly government report.

Social Justice Minister Dr Brian Gibbons is to unveil a strategy aimed at helping people who are rebuilding their lives in Wales.

The report said a "significant" number of people in Wales do not understand why refugees are in the country.

Wales has around 10,000 refugees, less than 0.4% of the population.

The Welsh Refugee Council estimates that a quarter of these are asylum seekers.

The assembly government Refugee Inclusion Strategy aims to to support and enable refugees and asylum seekers in Wales.

Powers and responsibilities relating to immigration and asylum are not devolved to the assembly government and remain the responsibility of the Home Office.

Assembly ministers have said they are committed to ensuring that those who come to Wales fleeing persecution have the best possible chance to overcome barriers like language, health and housing problems.

The strategy document said "refugees still encounter institutional and other forms of racism and discrimination in all aspects of their lives" with "some" people feeling hostile towards them.

Contribution

Dr Gibbons said he wanted to see an end to any negative stereotyping of refugees.

He was keen to emphasise that many refugees were highly skilled professionals and entrepreneurs who must be allowed to maximise their contribution to the Welsh economy and society.

He said: "Wales is a tolerant and compassionate society with a strong multi-cultural tradition. Over the centuries, refugees from many countries have been welcomed by people living in Wales.

"I am sure that working together with this strategy we can counter any ignorance and negative stereotyping of refugees and celebrate the contribution refugees can and do make to Welsh society."