Those who can no longer live in their home country or are forced to leave due to conflict, war or persecution may become refugees. UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) assists the UK Government’s Home Office in identifying refugees to resettle in the UK. This process is key to providing a legal and safe route to the UK for vulnerable individuals or families who need protection.
What Routes to the UK Are Available to Refugees?
There are several safe and legal routes to the UK available to refugees. These include the UK Resettlement Scheme, the Mandate Resettlement Scheme and the Community Sponsorship Scheme.
In the last five years the Home Office has also granted more than 29,000 Refugee Family Reunion visas; take a look at the embedded PDF for more information about this.
Regarding the UK Resettlement Scheme, UNHCR identifies refugees needing to be resettled, who are then referred to the UK Government, following which the government undertakes security checks and assesses each case. Refugees are then provided with advice to prepare them for their new life in the UK, as well as a medical to identify any health needs or issues. Once a home is found, visas are issued and flights are booked.
How Does UNHCR Help Refugees?
UNHCR protects refugees, advocating for their rights and working with partners and governments to identify long-term solutions so these individuals can find a safe place to live. Security professionals such as Teresa Lines, who works as part of a security humanitarian team supporting the work of the FCDO, understand that UNHCR responds in emergency situations, helping refugees to reach safety and ensuring they’re not pushed back across a border where they could be in danger.
UNHCR also works to safeguard refugees’ rights while they’re displaced, aiding host countries so that refugees can access healthcare and education and helping refugees access livelihoods so they can contribute to their new communities and live more independent lives.
The 1951 Refugee Convention
The 1951 Refugee Convention and its supplemental 1967 Protocol help protect refugees and are the legal documents that underpin the work of UNHCR. As well as defining the term ‘refugee’, the documents outline international standards of treatment regarding their protection and rights.
Those whose work involves helping to ensure the safety of refugees, such as Terri Lines, know that ‘non-refoulement’ is the core principle of the convention. This means that a refugee shouldn’t be returned to a country where their freedom or life face serious threats. The document also outlines basic minimum treatment standards, including a refugee’s right to access education, housing and work during their displacement so they can lead an independent and dignified life.