News

The news section contains up to date information about events, publications, statements, and links to current affairs stories about migration and asylum issues.

I was a stranger and you invited me in
Jan 1

I was a stranger and you invited me in

The tragic picture of Alan Kurdi put a human face on the issue of migration across the Mediterranean which had risen in public consciousness over the summer of 2015. The phrase ‘refugee crisis’ entered common parlance. Yet it was quickly wrapped up with other words like ‘flood’ and ‘swarm’. ...
A Christmas Prayer for Refugees
Dec 25

A Christmas Prayer for Refugees

Lord, you were once a refugee as the small child from the manger fleeing to Egypt. And so we pray for all those who are fleeing persecution, adversity and hopelessness. We remember the millions of people across the globe who are displaced from their homes. We bring before you families that are ...
Aquarius in port: last large vessel withdraws from Mediterranean refugee rescue
Dec 8

Aquarius in port: last large vessel withdraws from Mediterranean refugee rescue

Back in June, the refugee rescue ship Aquarius was at the centre of a media storm when Matteo Salvini, Italy’s interior minister, refused permission for it to dock, forcing the transfer at sea of some refugees to coastguard vessels (that were allowed to dock) and a long journey to Spain for ...
Intern opportunity with Refugee Week for people from refugee backgrounds
Nov 26

Intern opportunity with Refugee Week for people from refugee backgrounds

Counterpoints Arts are inviting applications for a new programme for emerging leaders to support the production of Refugee Week 2019. Funded by Ben and Jerry’s Foundation, this new leadership project aims to ensure the perspectives and expertise of people who have experienced displacement are ...
Update from CTBI Churches’ Refugee Network
Nov 22

Update from CTBI Churches’ Refugee Network

CTBIs Churches’ Refugee Network met again today with representation around the table and on the phone from a variety of denominations and organisations working around the UK and Ireland. CRN considered the opportunity to develop better church engagement with Refugee Week (running in 2019 ...
Lift the Ban on people seeking asylum working
Oct 28

Lift the Ban on people seeking asylum working

The Lift the Ban coalition is calling for the right to work for people seeking asylum, and their adult dependants, after six months of having lodged an asylum claim or further submission, unconstrained by the Shortage Occupation List. People currently seeking asylum in the UK are effectively ...
European Asylum Conference declaration
Oct 23

European Asylum Conference declaration

150 asylum experts from churches and civil society last week issued a declaration calling on an end to the EU asylum regime of hotspots and the establishment of ways of safe passage into Europe. The 15th European Asylum Conference began on Chios, an Aegean island, where the delegates were ...
Those Who Dream: Christian Responses to Migration (27 October)
Oct 4

Those Who Dream: Christian Responses to Migration (27 October)

Union Chapel in Islington are hosting an event around Those Who Dream: Christian Reflections on Europe’s Responses to Migration in Europe on Saturday 27 October. The theological event aims to: honour Christian work for justice for refugees and migrants; raise delegates’ eyes beyond crisis ...
Resilience Toolbox – strategies for coping with pressure in refugee ministry (17 November)
Oct 3

Resilience Toolbox – strategies for coping with pressure in refugee ministry (17 November)

Working with refugees and asylum seekers often means helping people in very difficult situations and hearing traumatic, personal stories. Pressure can build very quickly. It is easy to feel overwhelmed and, if we’re not careful, for compassion fatigue to set in. That’s the thinking behind ...