APPG on Refugees – Refugees Welcome Inquiry

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees has launched an inquiry into the experiences of newly arrived and newly recognised refugees in the UK. The inquiry will consider the experiences of refugees who have claimed asylum in the UK, as well as those of refugees who have arrived in the UK through other paths, such as resettlement. In particular, the inquiry will focus on the integration of new refugees, including success in finding employment, securing accommodation and, where appropriate, help with English language skills.

The cross-party inquiry panel is encouraging written evidence from a broad range of stakeholders, including government representatives and civil servants, local authorities, charities, researchers, and voluntary organisations working with refugees and refugees themselves. Evidence from people who have direct personal experience of the support systems for newly arrived and newly recognised refugees in the UK is particularly welcome.

For people who have experience of being a refugee in the UK, the panel would welcome evidence about:

  • What were your experiences of being a newly resettled or newly recognised refugee in the UK?
  • Did you/do you have any support from any organisations to help you access services, such as doctors’ appointments or housing?
  • Were there/are there any services that were easier to access? Were there/are there any services that were more difficult to access?

For organisations and people who work with/support refugees in the UK, the panel would welcome evidence regarding:

  • How far does current UK policy and legislation allow newly resettled and newly recognised refugees to integrate and rebuild their lives here?
  • Are there any particular barriers that newly resettled and newly recognised refugees face?
  • Are there any areas of good practice where refugees are being supported successfully? Are there any differences in support in the different regions of the UK?
  • Is support provided to vulnerable refugees, including those who are disabled or who have been victims of torture, adequate?
  • Do particular groups of new refugees, such as LGBTI refugees or refugee women, face any specific barriers to experiencing a welcome in Britain?
  • What support is available to local communities who are accommodating refugees? What more could be done to support local communities who may be impacted by refugees?

For information about the inquiry and details about how to submit written evidence, please see the Terms of Reference.

For more information about the inquiry, please contact Jon Featonby.

http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/refugees_welcome_inquiry