An authority has been praised for its "overwhelming support for Ukrainians" but some critics are suggesting this is in "sharp contrast" to other groups.
New figures show hundreds of Ukrainian refugees entered Oxford since the beginning of the city council's Homes for Ukraine scheme in March 2022.
A Freedom of Information Request submitted to the council reveals since the project started, 339 households, made up of 515 people, have arrived in the city.
The Ukraine flag.
READ MORE: Oxford council can't fly Palestine flag as 'flagpole broken'
Statistics from July 27 this year show there were 121 households, made up of 72 people, living with hosts in the city.
Oxford Community Independents councillor Dr Hosnieh Djafari-Marbini, the city's first Migrant Champion, said: "The overwhelming outpouring of support for Ukrainians fleeing war gave so many of us who have experienced forced migration much-needed hope.
"Our neighbours opened their doors and shared their homes, meals and lives with those in need.
Hosnieh Djafari-Marbini. (Image: Oxford City Council.)
"This support from the people of Oxford and nationally via government funded Homes for Ukraine and Ukraine family schemes stood in sharp contrast to the treatment of others seeking sanctuary.
"There has been a warm welcome for some but sadly hostility for others.
"Our British Sudanese community members have been worried sick about elderly parents stuck in the ongoing war in Sudan.
"There has been no Sudanese family scheme forthcoming.
Sudanese refugees. (Image: PO Phot Arron Hoare/PA Wire)
"My medical colleagues have been attempting to facilitate the transfer and treatment of a handful of the more than 12,000 Palestinian children injured by the Israeli bombardment, to no avail.
"To date not a single injured Palestinian child has been treated in the UK."
Labour city councillor Susanna Pressel added: "Oxford families have been extremely welcoming to the poor women and children fleeing from war-torn Ukraine, after Putin’s invasion. It’s really sad that they can still not return to their homeland.
"I know our public sector is struggling and our finances are in a dreadful state, after 14 years of shocking mismanagement by the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, but some of us are asking why the same hospitality is not being shown to other families in dire need, for instance victims of the awful civil war in Sudan."
Susanna Pressel. (Image: Oxford City Council.)
City council leader Susan Brown said the council is "proud" of its record in helping people who come to Oxford seeking safety.
She added: "Since December 2015, we have taken part in several government-recognised resettlement schemes, including those for Syrian and Afghan refugees and people from other parts of the world.
"Through these schemes, we’ve helped 52 families (230 individuals) settle in Oxford."
Susan Brown. (Image: Oxford City Council.)
Oxford East Labour MP Anneliese Dodds, who serves on the cabinet as minister for development, said: “Oxford has clearly played its part in supporting Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion of their home country. Oxford stands with Ukraine.
"As well as supporting those fleeing the conflict, the new Labour Government has also confirmed a step up in military support for Ukraine. The UK will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
Official photograph of Anneliese Dodds. (Image: Contribution.)
Green city councillor Alex Powell also praised the "warm welcome" but added: "As a City of Sanctuary, Oxford should be able to offer similar welcome to people seeking sanctuary regardless of where they are from.
"However, UK law currently prevents this."
Alex Powell. (Image: Contribution.)
Independent Oxford Alliance councillor David Henwood said host families should be "recognised at a national level" for their sacrifices but also said he had some safeguarding concerns for "vulnerable refugees" and ongoing support was "vital".
David Henwood. (Image: Oxford City Council.)
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About the author
Noor is the Local Democracy Reporter for Oxfordshire who covers political stories from across the county.
She began working as a journalist in Oxford in September 2023 having graduated from the University of Oxford.
Noor was trained at the News Associates journalism school and can be found on X through the handle @NoorJQurashi
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