7. 7. Debate on the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee Report on their Inquiry into Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Wales

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:36 pm on 21 June 2017.

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Photo of John Griffiths John Griffiths Labour 3:36, 21 June 2017

On the specific needs of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, the committee was convinced by the evidence we heard that we need more proactive support, and that’s why we called for a guardianship service. We also wanted to ensure there is capacity and capability across Wales to undertake age assessments, and we received powerful evidence of the need to set minimum standards for mental health support. Again, the Cabinet Secretary has accepted in principle our recommendations about support for children, and again, it would be helpful for us and for stakeholders to hear more from the Cabinet Secretary about how he will ensure that he meets, in full, the thrust of our recommendations, even if he is unable, for reasons I am sure he will explain, to commit to every detail.

Dirprwy Lywydd, I’m sure Members of the committee, as well as other Members in the Chamber here today, will wish to address some of the detail in what is a wide-ranging and comprehensive report. But before I finish, I’d like to highlight the final recommendation the committee made, which the Welsh Government has accepted in principle. The Welsh Refugee Coalition drew our attention to the seven steps to sanctuary. These have been developed by over 20 organisations and are reproduced in our report. We share the coalition’s view that Wales should take these steps and become the world’s first nation of sanctuary. Diolch yn fawr.