We’re determined to make life better for people seeking safety in Scotland. Here’s how we’re standing up for refugee rights.
Speaking up and speaking out
We continue to speak out against unjust asylum policies and work to influence both the Scottish and UK governments.
At the UK level, we challenged the use of harmful language in Parliament and spoke out against changes to Refugee citizenship eligibility. When the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill was introduced, we were invited to give expert evidence on the negative impacts it will have on the lives of people seeking safety.
Here in Scotland, we met with more than 60% of the country’s newly elected MPs to advocate for refugee rights.
When racist riots swept across the UK, creating fear in our communities, we stood in solidarity with everyone affected, sharing information and advice to help communities stay safe amidst threats from the far-right.
In December, we supported Syrian refugees to discuss the collapse of the Assad regime with Scotland’s First Minister. Eight people from Syria who have settled in Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow and Perth, travelled to Holyrood to meet with John Swinney and talk about their hopes and fears for the future.
Together With Refugees
We are one of the founding members of Together With Refugees, a UK-wide coalition with more than 600 members. In the run up to the UK general election in July 2024, we called for a fair new plan for refugees, inviting people and communities across Scotland to take part.
On World Refugee Day (20 June) we held a day of action on social media to show politicians from all parties that people in Scotland want a kinder, fairer and more effective refugee system.
Helping people understand and access their rights
We visited 13 asylum hotels across the country to make sure residents were aware of their rights and know where to turn for help.
More than 430 people attended our information sessions about the rights and entitlements of people in the asylum system and the role of legal advisors. At each session, we were joined by interpreters so information could be provided, and questions asked, in multiple languages.
“It was very nice to have you here because we haven’t got enough information about accommodation, our status and what is coming next, so thank you very much.” – hotel resident
We also applied for more than 1,400 hardship grants totalling over £150,000 to help people living in extreme poverty. And we supported more than 270 people with over 400 non-monetary referrals to food banks and charities providing clothing, toiletries and hot meals.
Changing the narrative around forced migration
In an increasingly polarised world, responsible reporting on refugee and asylum issues is crucial. Our 2024 Refugee Festival Scotland Media Awards honoured the work of journalists who cover stories about forced migration with accuracy and fairness and give refugee communities a voice.
We received 70 entries across five categories: Features, Broadcast, Radio, News and Local News. The judging panel included representatives from UNHCR, the National Union of Journalists, and community groups supporting people seeking safety.
Winners and runners up were announced at an event in Glasgow attended by friends, family, colleagues and members of many of the communities that featured in their stories.
