“Building a humanitarian support network and lobbying for an end to asylum destitution”
Increasing numbers of refused asylum seekers are being left homeless and without the basic means of life. They frequently have no means to return home, or “choose” a life of destitution rather than return home to a country they fear.
Govan Integration Network recently hosted an open meeting at the Pearce Institute, to discuss ways of developing a coordinated humanitarian response to the asylum destitution crisis in Scotland.
Over 60 participants from a wide range of organisations attended. The opening session heard from Gary Christie of Scottish Refugee Council, on their recent research into destitution in Glasgow, Tim Cowen from Maryhill CAB related testimonies of destitute asylum seekers, and Richard McCready of the Church and Society Council gave the perspective of Scottish Churches.
The meeting then split into two groups – one group discuss ways of providing support to people refused asylum, and another to discuss ways of lobbying for a change in policy.
