A CELEBRATION of the unveiling of a strategy aimed at supporting refugees and people seeking asylum with settling into their new communities in Scotland has taken place at the University of Glasgow.
The New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy: Delivery Plan 2024-2026 was revealed at the University of Glasgow this morning and ensures people understand their rights, responsibilities and entitlements, and to help New Scots and communities to integrate.
The strategy, which is the most comprehensive of its kind worldwide, was jointly developed by the Scottish Government, Scottish Refugee Council and Cosla and outlines the commitments to work with employers to help them recruit refugees.
It also summarises how employers can identify ways to improve English language provision and to ensure services are co-ordinated effectively.
Equalities Minister Kaukab Stewart (below) was at the event to help celebrate the launch of the new plan and reiterated how vital it is for refugees and people seeking asylum to understand their rights.
She said: “Scotland has a proud history of welcoming those fleeing war and persecution, and we are dedicated to helping them integrate into communities from the day they arrive.
“It is vital that we support refugees and people seeking asylum to understand their rights and access employment and services to help them to rebuild their lives in Scotland.
“This plan, which was informed by engagement with those with experience of seeking refuge and settling in Scotland, as well as those with expertise in supporting them, lays out the steps we will take to support refugees and people seeking asylum to integrate across different parts of society. It also recognises the role communities and employers can actively play in supporting people.”
Marking the launch of the strategy there were musical and creative performances to reflect on the culture that asylum seekers and refugees bring to Scottish society at the University of Glasgow.
UNESCO RILA's artist-in-residence, Dr Tawona Sithole (below), was one of the performers who delivered a poem he wrote inspired by the strategy, and there was music by the Maryhill Integration Network's Joyous Choir.
There was also a panel session that shared people's stories and highlighted just some of the many issues and challenges faced by those seeking sanctuary in Scotland.
UNESCO chair for refugee integration through education, languages, and arts at the University of Glasgow and the New Scots core group chair, Professor Alison Phipps, said she is proud to help deliver the refugee integration strategy.
She said: “Now more than ever in this divisive and troubling time, it is incredibly important that we come together to show a warm welcome to the people who are seeking asylum in Scotland.
“Refugee rights are human rights, and those seeking safety are trying to escape unimaginable horrors that have destroyed their way of life.
“I’m proud to have been a part of delivering this refugee integration strategy, which represents deeply researched; evidence-based work with people seeking asylum, and offers an exciting commitment to action across Scotland and to embedding the rights of all who seek refuge.”
The University of Glasgow also announced plans to support more refugees and asylum seekers who wish to study in Scotland by increasing the number of its Sanctuary Scholarships from 20 to 30 places to help mark the celebrations.
The scholarship programme is available to applicants seeking refuge in the UK for humanitarian reasons and this year the university will introduce a scholarship in memory of a former student, Dima Alhaj, who was killed in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Rachel Sandison, the University of Glasgow’s sanctuary champion and deputy vice chancellor for external engagement, said: “At the University of Glasgow, we are committed to ensuring that we are an inclusive and welcoming campus where every member of our community feels supported to fulfil their potential.
“As a University of Sanctuary, we recognise the need to work alongside other institutions, cross-sector organisations and national governments to maximise our efforts, coordinate collective activity and advocate for those who have been forcibly displaced from their homes.
“The New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy perfectly supports our ambitions of promoting fairness and equity of opportunity for all, and we are truly honoured to be able to launch this ground-breaking strategy on our Gilmorehill Campus.”
