Almost exactly a year ago, Russia dramatically escalated the conflict in Ukraine, thereby triggering the largest refugee crisis Europe has experienced since the Second World War. Since the start of the conflict on 24^th February 2022, over 9 million people have searched for refuge, help and assistance from the conflict. Such dramatic numbers, highlights the need for partnership across refugee-hosting countries, governments, humanitarian support groups, local communities, and beyond. Since the UK opened the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme and Family Scheme in March 2022, a total of over 180,000 visas have been issued.

Ukraine, whilst a tragic and ongoing focal point of refugee crisis, is sadly not the only refugee crisis which is continuing.  According to the UN Refugee Agency, by the start of 2022, there were over 89 million people forcibly displaced worldwide, with that number likely to be close to the catastrophic milestone of 100 million people due to the Ukrainian Crisis and wider geopolitical instability, such as the Sri Lankan political crisis, Yemeni Civil War and Syrian Civil War.

This event will explore the heart of the unique issues which refugees face, taking a whole systems approach to tackling them and supporting those communities most in need, featuring a mixture of high-level keynote addresses, experiences and case studies.

Refugees are at increased risk of mental health issues and have often experienced violence, trauma, modern slavery, exploitation, torture, and sexual and gender-based violence.

Upon arrival in the host country, refugees often face additional difficulties which compound trauma, ranging from hostile community attitudes, racism, and discrimination to language barriers, distance and separation from family, visa insecurity, and issues surrounding housing, employment, and education.

The contribution from refugees is overwhelmingly positive, with over thirty years of data from Western European countries showing the beneficial economic contribution of refugees as they become permanent residents. Despite this, the direction of travel has been towards stricter border controls demonstrated by the UK in 2021 introducing a points-based immigration system which its impacts are set to cost £2.4 trillion.