Agenda item

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in the loss of countless lives, displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, and a severe humanitarian crisis.

 

Oxfordshire has a proud history of providing support for those fleeing war. A great example is the Ukrainians fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Oxfordshire has continued to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine.

 

We are dismayed at the government’s chaotic and inadequate response. They have failed to evacuate British citizens, offer sanctuary to family and dependants, or waive existing barriers to settlement and support in the UK.

 

This motion condemns the war in Sudan and calls on the government to redouble their efforts to work urgently with regional partners to secure a permanent ceasefire and to engage in negotiations to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the crisis.

 

Oxfordshire County Council resolves to request Cabinet to continue to support refugees locally, including by:

·       working with the Oxfordshire Sudanese community to identify and support new arrivals.

·       collaborating with organisations in the public/voluntary sectors so they can provide appropriate support, especially for those with physical and psychological trauma.

·       briefing frontline council staff so they understand needs and pathways to relevant services.

 

We further resolve to request the Leader to write to the Home Secretary to:

·       expand safe, legal routes for extended family of British citizens and Sudanese asylum seekers.

·       waive existing barriers to support including the habitual residence test.

·       establish a formal programme mirroring the Ukrainian settlement scheme for Sudanese nationals seeking sanctuary.

 

Councillor Imade Edosomwan moved and Councillor Trish Elphinstone seconded the following motion which included amendments from the proposer, accepted by Council, indicated in bold and strikethrough:

 

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in the loss of countless lives, displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, and a severe humanitarian crisis.

 

Oxfordshire has a proud history of providing support for those fleeing war. A great example is the Ukrainians fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. how Oxfordshire has continued to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine.

 

We are dismayed at the government’s chaotic and inadequate response. They have failed to evacuate British citizens, offer sanctuary to family and dependants, or waive existing barriers to settlement and support in the UK.

 

This motion condemns the war in Sudan and calls on the government to redouble their efforts to work urgently with regional partners to secure a permanent ceasefire and to engage in negotiations to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the crisis.

 

Oxfordshire County Council resolves to request Cabinet to continue to support refugees locally, including by:

·      working with the Oxfordshire Sudanese community to identify and support new arrivals.

·      collaborating with organisations in the public/voluntary sectors so they can provide appropriate support, especially for those with physical and psychological trauma.

·      briefing frontline council staff so they understand needs and pathways to relevant services.

 

We further resolve to request the Leader to write to the Home Secretary and Oxfordshire members of parliament to:

·         expand safe, legal routes for extended family of British citizens and Sudanese asylum seekers.

·         waive existing barriers to support including the habitual residence test.

·         establish a formal programme mirroring the Ukrainian settlement scheme for Sudanese nationals seeking sanctuary.

 

Following debate the motion as amended was carried by 31 votes to 0 with 11 abstentions.

 

RESOLVED: (31 to 0)

 

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in the loss of countless lives, displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, and a severe humanitarian crisis.

 

Oxfordshire has a proud history of providing support for those fleeing war. A great example is the Ukrainians fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. how Oxfordshire has continued to stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine.

 

We are dismayed at the government’s chaotic and inadequate response. They have failed to evacuate British citizens, offer sanctuary to family and dependants, or waive existing barriers to settlement and support in the UK.

 

This motion condemns the war in Sudan and calls on the government to redouble their efforts to work urgently with regional partners to secure a permanent ceasefire and to engage in negotiations to find a peaceful and lasting solution to the crisis.

 

Oxfordshire County Council resolves to request Cabinet to continue to support refugees locally, including by:

·      working with the Oxfordshire Sudanese community to identify and support new arrivals.

·      collaborating with organisations in the public/voluntary sectors so they can provide appropriate support, especially for those with physical and psychological trauma.

·      briefing frontline council staff so they understand needs and pathways to relevant services.

 

We further resolve to request the Leader to write to the Home Secretary and Oxfordshire members of parliament to:

·         expand safe, legal routes for extended family of British citizens and Sudanese asylum seekers.

·         waive existing barriers to support including the habitual residence test.

·         establish a formal programme mirroring the Ukrainian settlement scheme for Sudanese nationals seeking sanctuary.”