Each Friday, we’ll bring you a roundup of how our work is having an impact on both local communities and the national conversation. Read on to find out more…
A Place to Call Home
The Evening Standard launched its winter appeal in November, which aims to help refugees and the homeless in London. As part of the appeal, they have called on the Government to allow people seeking asylum to work after six months and to extend the move-on period from 28 to 56 days.
In his opinion piece, our CEO Enver Solomon, wrote that allowing people seeking asylum to work while they wait on a decision from the Home Office could bring in a net benefit of £1.2 billion to the UK economy, he said:
Fundamentally, refugees are not people who like to sit around and do nothing. They are determined. They are resourceful. They want to stand on their own two feet to make the most of the life that was so nearly snatched from them.
Miguel and his wife, a surgeon, tell their story of fleeing South America with their two children. After six years, they are still awaiting a decision on their claim for asylum and have been denied the right to work during this time.
Because my wife is not the main asylum applicant, she has been unable to work at all since we arrived. For the first three years she suffered acute depression and did not want to get out of bed.
Legionella bacteria found in up to 15 Home Office asylum hotels
Imran Hussain, our Executive Director of Communications and External Affairs, commented on The i’s report that “concerning levels of legionella bacteria have been found in up to 15 hotels housing asylum seekers over the past three years.” [£, ungated].
He said that the FOI data was “deeply worrying”, adding: “Legionella bacteria can cause life-threatening illness, so it’s vital investigations are conducted to understand the risk posed and that all necessary action is taken immediately.”
Deal made between the UK and Iraq aims to tackle people smuggling
The UK government signed a security pact with Iraq earlier this week which is aimed at tackling smuggling gangs and enhancing border security cooperation, as reported by Desiblitz.
Our CEO Enver Solomon was quoted in the article, saying that the government must uphold international law for all individuals, including those who have not fled persecution, when negotiating migration agreements with countries like Iraq.
He further emphasised that addressing the people trafficking gangs should not be seen as a “magic bullet” to prevent refugees from making dangerous journeys to the UK.
How artists are supporting the Refugee Council
Becca Pearl, an author from Bournemouth, has released her children’s book based on the story of how her grandparents and father escaped from Czechoslovakia. She said:
I guess tales of displaced people, immigrants or refugees aren’t your average topics for kids’ books. But isn’t there space in the market for something else? Can’t kids’ absorb big topics?
For every copy of the book that’s sold, Becca is donating 50p to The Refugee Council!
The Hull indie band Red Guitars have released their first single in almost forty years. It is available for download and the band are encouraging donations to the Refugee Council! ■
Be sure to check back next week for the latest news, updates and inspiring stories of how we’re making a difference in the lives of refugees.
