Waverley commemorates World Refugee Day

Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which caused 4.9 million Ukrainian refugees to flee the country, people around the world paid their respects to World Refugee Day on 20 June.  

The council is responsible for the local delivery of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, along with Surrey County Council and local partners, which allows sponsors in the UK to nominate Ukrainians and their families to stay with them in their home or in a separate property. This is overseen by the council which has dedicated resources to ensure their welfare. 

Councillor Kika Mirylees, portfolio holder for Health, Wellbeing, Parks and Leisure said: “What has happened in Ukraine is an unmitigated disaster. Now is the time to rally around the people uprooting their lives to find safety that need our help. We are doing everything we can to provide Ukrainian refugees with all the assistance that they need so that they feel welcome in Waverley.” 

Waverley has a strong record on supporting the rights of refugees. In September 2021, Waverley Borough Council called on the Government to fund long term support for refugees and committed to aid up to 10 Afghan families in the wake of the crisis in Afghanistan. Similarly, in 2016 the council’s executive pledged to provide homes for 5 refugee families in the borough as part of the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme. 

On Refugee Day, Councillor Kika Mirylees stated: “Whilst we commemorate Refugee Day and Refugee Week, the impact of becoming a refugee can last a lifetime, which is why we have always advocated for long term support for refugees here in Waverley.” 

To find out how you can help Ukrainian refugees in Waverley, visit our Support for Ukraine webpage. 

To learn more or to get involved you can visit the UNHCR or Refugee Week webpages.