The first refugees from Afghanistan have arrived in Liverpool after the country was taken over by the Taliban.
Around 100 people, including families and single people, are currently being accommodated at a hotel in south Liverpool, having completed Covid-19 quarantine elsewhere in the UK.
Liverpool has a proud history of supporting refugees and asylum seekers who have fled war and persecution and the city council was one of the first in the country to declare it would be helping those escaping from Afghanistan.
Read more: Steve Rotheram: 'Afghan refugees welcome in Liverpool City Region'
Huge numbers of people escaped from the country following the rapid takeover by the Taliban as US and British forces completed their controversial departure.
The refugees that have arrived in Liverpool are now being given welfare support by Liverpool City Council, the Home Office and other partners, and will be supported with other needs such as education and healthcare, over the coming days and weeks.
All of the Afghan nationals will remain at the hotel until suitable, permanent accommodation is found for them, which could be elsewhere in the north west, as well as across Liverpool City Region.
Councillor Abdul Qadir, Cabinet member for Neighbourhoods said: “We have all been moved by the plight of the Afghanistan people who have literally been fleeing for their lives.
“Liverpool is pleased to be playing its part in housing a number of Afghan refugees.
“They have been through a very traumatic period, but I know the people of this city will make them very welcome during their time here.”
The cost of the resettlement scheme is fully funded by the Home Office.
People wanting to support the refugees, such as by donating items, are asked to do so through the refugee support organisations in Liverpool. All details can be found on the council’s website.
A number of Merseyside boroughs have made their intention to support and accommodate Afghan refugees who have escaped from the country.
Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said his message is clear, 'refugees are welcome in our city region."
He added: “Our city region has long been a sanctuary for people escaping war, famine and persecution and we will do all we can to assist refugees from this terrible conflict."
Local refugee charities in the city have been overwhelmed with donations from generous Scousers keen to do their bit to help those who are arriving here with nothing.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here.
