Wokingham’s council leader has expressed the council’s commitment to supporting refugees – and what you can do to help.
Councillor John Halsall, the leader of the council, has spoken out on what he calls the ‘truly terrifying’ situation in Afghanistan.
The country has been rocked in a civil war following the pull-out of American, British and NATO forces.
NATO forces invaded Afghanistan in 2001, when it was under the control of the Taliban, a fundamentalist Islamic political organisation which were accused of harbouring Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind of the 911 terror attacks.
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Although NATO forces managed to dislodge the Taliban from power in 2001, this month the organisation has won back control of the country, prompting an evacuation of British and American staff and citizens, Afghani allies and regular citizens fearful of Taliban rule.
Cllr Halsall (Conservative, Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe) said: The events we are witnessing in Afghanistan are truly terrifying, and our thoughts are with all those affected. Like many other local authorities, we want to do everything we can to help individuals seeking refuge in the UK; ensuring they feel safe and supported to become valued members of our thriving community.
“Using our extensive experience, and working together with local partners, charities, and the NHS, we can provide immediate and long-term specialist support; helping refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants to live healthy and fulfilling lives in our borough.
“Many residents will also want to know what they can do to help. At a local level, we encourage people to check what items are in demand at local foodbanks and clothing charities such as The Cowshed, as we can work with these organisations to distribute vital goods to those in need. There is also the option to give financial contributions to the Reading Refugee Support Group, which works across Wokingham, Reading and West Berkshire to support refugees and people seeking asylum.
“This is a national effort, and the situation is complex and moving at pace. Further details on the coordination of the resettlement scheme and associated funding are yet to be published, and many councils’ efforts will be heavily reliant on these financial resources.
“Ensuring we, and other local authorities, are properly funded to do this crucial work will help us provide the best possible outcome for those refugees, who we will be helping make our borough their home.”
The borough council has not confirmed whether any refugees will be resettled in the area yet. However, a spokesperson for the council said: “We are very keen and willing to help these individuals, and will be preparing contingency plans to ensure we can offer the necessary support, should it be required.”
READ MORE: Bracknell Forest Council agrees to resettle families fleeing war torn Afghanistan
The spokesperson added the level of support that will be provided to the refugees will vary on a case-by-case basis, but will include housing, benefits and work, to school placements, healthcare and more.
British forces joined the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 following the September 11 attacks committed by international terror group Al-Qaeda.
The Taliban were accused of providing a safe haven for Al-Qaeda and its leader Osama Bin Laden, prompting the invasion.
Bin Laden ended up being assassinated by US Special Forces in Abbottabad, Pakistan in 2011.
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