GREC actively welcomes and supports refugee and asylum seeker resettlement, in line with the 1951 Refugee Convention.
We call on the UK government to do more to proactively resettle those seeking asylum and refuge. We support further investment in resettlement, integration, and inclusion capacity at a local level, into organisations motivated primarily by the public good, rather than profit. This will allow for an effective, sustainable and specialised infrastructure to be developed within localities such as Aberdeen.
We also call for the urgent development and implementation of a strategy for suitably housing people seeking asylum and refuge upon arrival. Keeping individuals and families in hotel accommodation for prolonged periods of time is detrimental to the mental health and community inclusion of already vulnerable people. We further call for an urgent review of work restrictions and the financial support provided to new arrivals.