Each year, hundreds of thousands of people are forced to flee their homes in search of a safer future away from war, persecution or violence. Globally, one in 97 people are forced to flee their homes, according to the UN Refugee Agency. Many refugees seek to come to the UK, with the Government receiving over 74,000 asylum applications in 2022 alone. 76% of the initial decisions made on those asylum applications were grants of refuge status, humanitarian protection or alternative forms of leave. However, there is often a substantial wait in order to receive that initial decision, with 68% of people waiting having been waiting for more than six months as of December 2022. 

Even when granted refugee status, difficulties remain. From difficulties finding job opportunities to the risk of exposure to violence or poverty, asylum seekers are still faced with several challenges when trying to build a life in the UK. 

Safeguarding Refugees and Asylum Seekers brings together leaders working to improve the living conditions and environments for refugees and asylum seekers to dissect the latest policy updates, understand where further attention is needed and set out how this support is best delivered. 

Join us to hear from projects already achieving success, reflect on their lessons learned and deep dive into topics such as resettlement arrangements, protection for children and women, accessibility to education and care services, employability, and insecurity in their everyday lives.