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Refugees in the UK

Refugees in the UK. Emma Williams Chief Executive Student Action for Refugees. Conflict and Health Conference Liverpool Guild of Students: 20/03/2010. www.star-network.org.uk. www.star-network.org.uk.

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Refugees in the UK

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  1. Refugees in the UK Emma Williams Chief Executive Student Action for Refugees Conflict and Health Conference Liverpool Guild of Students: 20/03/2010 www.star-network.org.uk

  2. www.star-network.org.uk A person who owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country; or who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of his former habitual residence is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to return to it. 1951 UN Convention definition of a refugee

  3. Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution. Article 14The Universal Declaration of Human Rights www.star-network.org.uk

  4. Words…names…people… www.star-network.rg.uk ‘Refugee’ has been granted refugee status ‘Asylum seeker’ has made a formal application for asylum and is waiting for a decision on their claim. ‘failed asylum seeker’ has been refused refugee status

  5. Refugees worldwide • 42 million people are currently displaced by conflict • 26 million people are internally displaced e.g. 2.6 million Iraqis • 16 million people are refugees UNHCR 2008 www.star-network.org.uk

  6. The greatest number of refugees come from • Afghanistan 2.8 million • Iraq 1.9 million • Somalia 561,000 • Sudan 419,000 • Colombia 374,000 • Democratic Republic of Congo 368,000 UNHCR 2008 www.star-network.org.uk

  7. 80% of refugees live in the developing world • Pakistan 1.8 million • Syria 1.1 million • Iran 980,000 UNHCR 2008 www.star-network.org.uk

  8. Less than 2% of the world’s refugees live in the UK www.star-network.org.uk • 24,250 people claimed asylum in 2009 • 855 arrived through resettlement programmes Home Office 2009

  9. Numbers seeking asylum in the UK are falling

  10. Seeking asylum in Britain • Not allowed to work – must live on state support • “Dispersed” to live in cheap housing away from the South East. • Cash single adults receive £35.13 per week www.star-network.org.uk

  11. Enter the UK and claim asylum Screening interview Initial accommodation Detention voluntary return Asylum interview Asylum Refused Asylum Granted Appeal Removal 5 years Leave to Remain new accommodation destitution Appeal Refused www.star-network.org.uk new accommodation

  12. Refugee status www.star-network.org.uk • Full entitlement to family reunion, welfare benefits, housing, health care and right to work. • Can stay for 5 years initially.

  13. Detention www.star-network.org.uk • All asylum seekers are at risk of detention at any point • No maximum time limit (can be years). • Decision made by immigration officer • 15,580 asylum seekers were detained in 2009 • 715 were children Home Office 2009

  14. Negative decision www.star-network.org.uk Voluntary return Appeal against the decision

  15. Asylum decisions in 2009 • 24,555 initial decisions • 17% given refugee status • 10 % leave to remain • 73% refused • 15,350 people appealed • 28% were allowed Home Office 2009 www.star-network.org.uk

  16. Destitution www.star-network.org.uk Refused asylum seekers are expected to leave the country, support is cut off after 21 days. Many cannot be returned e.g. no safe passage, no papers Section 4 support may be provided if willing to move house and report regularly Thousands are destitute

  17. www.star-network.org.uk

  18. STAR is the national network of student groups working to improve the lives of refugees in the UK We have more than 3,000 student members at 30 universities. www.star-network.org.uk

  19. The STAR Network 2010 www.star-network.org.uk

  20. Promoting positive images of refugees • Talks • Exhibitions • Stalls, leaflets & posters • Film screenings • Drama • Publicity stunts • Band nights www.star-network.org.uk

  21. Volunteering for refugee projects • English conversation classes • Kids homework clubs • Women’s groups • Drop in centres • Day trips & socials www.star-network.org.uk

  22. Campaigns • Equal Access • Still Human Still Here • OutCry! • Stop the Cuts • Let them Work www.star-network.org.uk

  23. Make a Difference! www.star-network.org.uk

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