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Choices > history of Choices
In March 1997, Refugee Action consulted individual's, communities and agencies about voluntary return. These consultations included leaders of refugee community organisations and refugee agencies, International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The following themes consistently emerged:
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A higher number of asylum seekers and refugees consider voluntary return than approach ‘official’ organisations - such as IOM and UNHCR - for advice and assistance.
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Voluntary return is a difficult, even 'taboo' subject to discuss within UK refugee communities and other agencies working with asylum seekers and refugees.
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A service was needed which could offer confidential advice and information about the choice of staying or returning, without having any vested interest in either outcome.
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It is important to have access to an advice and information service which respects an individual’s right to make the best decisions for him/herself.
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A strong consensus emerged that there was a real need for an NGO such as Refugee Action, already trusted by UK refugee communities, to look into piloting an information and counselling service for people considering return.