Concerns over virtue signaling lead to decision against City of Sanctuary Award.
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The Highlands council has recently decided to abandon plans to pursue the City of Sanctuary Award, a formal recognition aimed at honoring regions that excel in welcoming refugees. This decision comes after local councillors expressed concerns that the award might be perceived as mere ‘virtue signaling’ rather than a genuine commitment to refugee support.
Understanding the City of Sanctuary Award
The City of Sanctuary Award is an accreditation that recognizes organizations and regions that go above and beyond to provide sanctuary to those fleeing conflict and persecution. It is designed to highlight the efforts of communities that actively support refugee resettlement and integration.
Despite the council’s strong history of supporting refugees, the decision to forgo the award has sparked a debate about the effectiveness of symbolic gestures in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.
Public sentiment and council discussions
Inverness councillor Duncan McDonald voiced concerns regarding public perception, suggesting that social media feedback indicated a lack of support for the award. He questioned whether the council could achieve similar outcomes through ongoing efforts without the need for formal recognition. McDonald, who has firsthand experience working with Afghan civilians during his military service, emphasized the importance of supporting refugees in a respectful and meaningful manner without the need for accolades.
Concerns over symbolism versus action
Several councillors echoed McDonald’s sentiments, arguing that the award might be seen as a superficial gesture rather than a substantive commitment to refugee welfare. Councillor Isabelle MacKenzie highlighted the necessity for the council’s policies to reflect a deep-rooted commitment to inclusivity and support, rather than relying on symbolic recognition. Dingwall councillor Angela MacLean expressed surprise at the decision to drop the award, noting that it could serve as public acknowledgment of the tremendous work being done in refugee resettlement across the Highlands.
Future considerations for refugee support
While the council voted to drop the plans for the sanctuary award, they left the door open for revisiting the idea in the future. The ongoing discussions reflect a broader conversation about how communities can best support refugees without relying on formal accolades. Councillor Ruraidh Stewart emphasized that while welcoming refugees is essential, it does not necessitate signing up for awards. The focus, he argued, should remain on the tangible support provided to those in need.
City of Sanctuary UK and its impact
City of Sanctuary UK is an organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and compassion for individuals from forced displacement backgrounds. The award, first introduced in Sheffield in 2007, aims to recognize communities that excel in providing sanctuary. Currently, Perth and Kinross Council is the only Scottish local authority to hold this status, highlighting the varying levels of engagement with refugee support across the country.
As the Highlands council continues its work in refugee resettlement, the decision to forgo the City of Sanctuary Award raises important questions about the balance between recognition and genuine support. The focus remains on ensuring that the needs of refugees are met through meaningful actions rather than symbolic gestures.
