According to the UN Refugee Agency, in mid-2021, there were 84 million people forcibly displaced worldwide, with that number likely to have risen substantially since with recent and predicted geopolitical instability. Of these 84 million people, 26.6 million are refugees and 4.4 million are asylum seekers. 68% originated from the following five countries, Syria, Venezuela, Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Myanmar. An estimated 85% were hosted in developing and often neighbouring countries with 35 million being children and 1 million people being born as refugees between 2018 and 2020.

The recently escalating conflict in Ukraine has forced many to seek protection, assistance, and safety abroad, highlighting 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 130,000 visas have been issued.

Refugees and Asylum Seekers 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 and asylum seekers 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 and Asylum seekers is overwhelmingly positive, with over thirty years of data from Western European countries showing the beneficial economic contribution of refugees and asylum seekers as they become permanent residents.

This event will explore the heart of the unique issues which Refugees and Asylum Seekers 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.

We have a limited number of sponsored speaking and branding opportunities available. Complete the sponsorship enquiry form or email [email protected] for more information.

Unable to make the date? All sessions will be recorded and available to watch on demand for 30 days after the event date.