The Refugee Experience

Diverse people joined together by common needs

Refugees Coming… 1914-18 - Belgian refugees 1920s - Russians and Armenian refugees 1930s-1940s - Jewish refugees 1940s-1950s - Eastern Europeans 1960s- 1980s - Vietnam, Chile, Ugandan Asians,

Eastern Europe 1990s - Kosovo, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Sierra Leone,

Congo, Ethiopia, Rwanda 2000 +- Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Eritrea, Zimbabwe,

Middle East, China, Burma, Somalia, Congo…

Definition of a refugee Refugee:

a person who is recognised by the government as having a fear of being persecuted in their country for reasons of…

– Race– Religion– Nationality– Membership of a particular group– Political Opinion

Different types of refugee status

– Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) only after 5 years

– Limited Leave to Remain/Enter (5 or 3 years)

– Humanitarian Protection (HP) usually 3 years

– Discretionary Leave (DL) if case will breech Article 8 of European Convention on Human Rights (right to respect for private and family life) or he/she has a serious medical condition

– Unaccompanied Minor Discretionary Leave until age 18

– Case Resolution

Refugees can apply for British Citizenship after 5 years

Asylum seekerAsylum Seeker: someone who is waiting

for the government to decide if they are regarded as a refugee (*NB not all refugees have been AS – Programme refugees come on Gateway programme)

Limited rights in the UK

Section 4 – a failed asylum seeker who cannot be returned to their country of origin due to an exceptional circumstance such as serious illness, pregnancy or Home Office Policy on sending people back to a particular area

Refugees and Asylum seekers are not to be confused with…

EU migrants Economic migrants Illegal Immigrants Evacuees (disaster relief)

Why people leave Persecution Oppressive political regimes Civil war Ethnic cleansing Religious intolerance Restriction of basic human rights Women’s rights (threats of forced marriage/FGM/sex

trade/domestic violence) Seeking safety

Global trends75 million living outside country of birth 1965

105 million 1985120 million 1990200 million 2010

UN figures

WHERE DO MOST REFUGEES GO?

Why the UK ? Safe Signed the 1951 UN international

convention relating to the status of refugees

English language Historical & colonial links Family connections Justice, respect human rights,

democracy Many don’t choose, they are

brought here

HOW DO PEOPLE COME HERE? Resettled (programme) refugees from

refugee camps coming in groups (750 per year to 4 UK cities)

Asylum route (coming to UK as individuals or families)

Approximately 20, 000 per year, dispersed all over UK

This figure includes ‘in country applicants’ UK is 36 in world ranking for countries

hosting refugees

Asylum Process The Asylum Process in the UK (NAM – 12 months for 1st decision) Arrival in UK – port of entry

Statement of Evidence form (SEF)

Housing and Support Subs only/no support

(HO) asylum Interview

Refused Accepted Refugee Status(3-5yrs)

(28 days to leave NASS Support) Appeal in Court Time Limited (1-3yrs) (ELR, HLR, ELE, DLR) Refused

Tribunal Section 4 / case resolution(Judicial Review)

(Refused - Destitute, Detained & Deported or voluntary return)

Where are people coming from?

Syria: Civil War Iran: Persecution of ethnic minorities and religious groups Somalia: Civil war, ethnic persecution, no government Iraq: Civil war Congo: Civil war, Human rights violations Pakistan: Religious oppression, violence and persecution,

Taliban Afghanistan: War, strong Taliban presence, human rights

violations Eritrea: War with Ethiopia, human rights violations Ethiopia: War with Eritrea, human rights violations Zimbabwe: Oppressive government and economy in ruins Burma: Oppressive government, restriction of rights China: Communist government, human rights violations

Asylum Seekers Not allowed to work (very few exceptions) Limitations on courses at college/ESOL (6 months) Limitations on movement (Home office monitoring) £31 - £40 per week in support (or vouchers if on

Section 4) Poor quality housing/often shared/no choice Reporting/signing Free NHS healthcare (inc dental, optical) Many report feeling in ‘limbo’ Some asylum seekers have been waiting over 10

years

Asylum Registration card (ARC)

Destitution, Detention, Deportation

Asylum seekers whose claims have failed (numerous reasons, including legal technicality)

Some cannot be returned to ‘unsafe’ countries 100s without any support or accommodation in

Leeds 100s in detention centres across country Option of voluntary return Fear of forced return Many failed asylum seekers have no legal

representation New asylum model – these situations can develop

quickly

Issues to be aware of when someone has recently received refugee status Very disruptive time, emotional rollercoaster Time pressure(28 days to leave NASS and sort out benefits) Needs include 1. Housing & relocating (Housing shortage, cramped accommodation)

2. Registering for benefits (Backdated income support & backdated child benefit)

3. Job hunting & pressures from the Jobcentre

Having to face the “real world” Family re-union (increasingly difficult) Changing situation – education/courses may have to be

delayed

Refugee status document

Latest changes COMPASS and new contracts Legal aid cuts (and threatened with further

axing) Cuts to accessing funded ESOL courses New dispersal centres Voluntary sector cuts / ending of some

refugee services Private sector undercutting voluntary sector

for contracts Threat to free health care

City of SanctuaryBuilding a culture of welcome

People and communities from all walks of life, united by a desire to bring welcome to our culture

THE PROMISE WE HAVE MADEWe recognise the contribution of asylum-seekers,

refugees and others seeking safety to our city/town,

and we are committed to welcoming and including them

in our activities.

STREAMS OF SANCTUARY

Schools of Sanctuary Welcome project Sanctuary in Arts Maternity Stream of sanctuary Health Stream of Sanctuary Faith stream of Sanctuary University of Sanctuary Sanctuary in sport, gardening, knitting…

What can we do? WELCOMING… saying ‘hello, I’m glad you’re here’ BEFRIENDING… volunteering MEET AND TRAVEL TOGETHER… accompanying people to Home Office and

Court appointments IA… Offering support at Initial Accommodation Centre DROP INS … conversation classes, volunteering AWARENESS RAISING … at your school, college, place of work, family and

community gatherings CAMPAIGNING… tell others; write to your MP FUNDRAISING… for refugee charities SHARING… your skills, your knowledge, your language DONATING… food, toiletries etc to destitution charities MENTORING… refugees with your professional background (doctor, teacher

etc) VOLUNTEERING… find out about the local charities from City of Sanctuary INCLUDING… refugees in your club, team or group TEACHING… English at home, refugee children’s homework club, etc WHAT ELSE ???... There is room for YOU to bring YOUR skills and be creative

To find out more, look at www.cityofsanctuary.org