YMCA Swansea statement on recent social media attacks upon Welsh Refugee Council

YMCA Swansea statement on recent social media attacks upon Welsh Refugee Council

YMCA Swansea strongly supports the work of the Welsh Refugee Council in their work to make Wales a welcoming nation for those making it their home.

The fight against dissemination of misinformation and prejudice is sadly an ongoing challenge in today’s social media led world- and it is one that we are all too aware of. Only by standing together will we succeed.

The board of YMCA Swansea

14th January 2025

Welsh Refugee Council Statement

“We are concerned by the circulation of misinformation by individuals in positions of influence. We urge everyone to seek the facts before sharing or endorsing inaccurate content, including altered images and misleading claims. Spreading such material can escalate threats and unwarranted attention toward our organisation and staff.

In 2023, a video from a school, welcoming refugees was released. It was never intended as an advert to encourage migration and was uploaded by the school to social media to show the positivity of pupils.

The Welsh Refugee Council would like to clarify that we did not create or commission the school video currently being circulated. While we were not involved in its production, we shared it as a positive example of young people championing messages of compassion and inclusion. In 2023, the video was subsequently taken down, following a hostile backlash, to protect the school.

We take any false or defamatory statements seriously and are working closely with the Police and relevant authorities to address this matter.

The Welsh Refugee Council remains unwavering in our mission to support sanctuary seekers and refugees, fostering understanding and promoting inclusion. We are deeply grateful to the individuals and communities who continue to support our work and stand with us in building a more inclusive society.”