Action Matters

Thank you for the year's successes

We wanted to say a huge thank you for all

of your help with our campaigning over the year.

Although it hasn't been the easiest political and economic climate to increase support and understanding for asylum seekers and refugees, we've made some important breakthroughs. This is thanks to your dedication in telling the government how their policies impact on the lives of people fleeing persecution, so please keep up the good work in the New Year!

In the last year we've had a few pieces of good news for those asylum seekers who have been left destitute by a deliberate government policy aimed at forcing them to return home, often to dangerous places.

Health bill success

In June, after much lobbying by the Still Human Still Here coalition, which Refugee Action is a part of, the government announced it would reinstate access to secondary healthcare for some refused asylum seekers. Those helped by the measures will be able to receive hospital treatment for conditions such as cancer.

Darfuris given refugee status

This year we campaigned for people from countries where there are ongoing conflicts or widespread human rights abuses to be given temporary status here until the situation at home improves. The government recently announced it will give refugee status to non-Arabs from Darfur, many of whom were previously living in limbo, destitute for years.

Help for people who can't return

The government also decided to give status to some people who have been stuck in the asylum backlog for over six years, and who are from countries they cannot currently to return to. Needless to say, we welcome the help this will give to some of those who are destitute. But a fairer asylum system where people can remain on support or be allowed to work until they can return home would avoid making people destitute altogether.

Charioke marathon raises £10,000

Massive thanks to all of our dedicated Karaokers who raised an amazing £10,000 towards Refugee Action's work at our inaugural Charioke Marathon.

All we want for Christmas is...

• A movement of people who stand up for refugees and people seeking asylum.
• Inflationary increases to asylum support so single parents can get their kids a present this year.
• Lots of Christmas donations to our destitution fund which helps those who are really feeling the cold this winter with food and other essentials.

With very best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.