As a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Convention relating to
the Status of Refugees, the United Kingdom has a legal obligation
to consider all applications for asylum, or sanctuary, made in this
country. Under the UN Convention anyone has the right to ask for
asylum in another country if they are suffering persecution in
their own.
The UK has an obligation under international law to:
- not send back to their country of origin any person who may be
in danger of persecution;
- uphold the rights of people who are found to be
refugees.
Do you know about refugees and asylum
seekers (PDF, 1923Kb) is a leaflet that
is intended to provide some information about this community
and the role they play in the life of the county. The leaflet
provides some facts and busts a few of the common myths, with the
aim of providing information that will support increased
understanding and learning between different communities in
Suffolk.
Who's who
Asylum seeker
Someone who is fleeing
persecution in their homeland, has arrived in another country, made
themselves known to the authorities and exercised the legal right
to apply for asylum.
Refugee
Someone whose asylum application
has been successful and who is allowed to stay in another country
having proved they would face persecution back home.
The UK has a long and proud heritage of welcoming
refugees, that make a huge contribution to the enrichment of
our national life, and some of whom have gone on to become
well-known public figures through their achievements. Read
some of their stories on the East of England Regional Assembly
web site.
Failed asylum seeker
Someone whose asylum
application has been turned down and is awaiting return to their
country.
Illegal immigrant
Someone who has arrived
in another country, intentionally not made themselves known to the
authorities and has no legal basis for being there.
Economic migrant
Someone who has moved to
another country to work.
Unaccompanied minors
This is the term used
to describe children under 18 years of age who are not accompanied
by parents and who are seeking asylum. These children are also
sometimes described as Unaccompanied Asylum Seeker Children
(UASC’s).
What are we doing in Suffolk?
The Suffolk Multi Agency Forum for Refugees, Asylum
Seekers and Migrants brings together statutory
agencies, voluntary and community groups, including all local
authorities, primary care trusts and the police, who work in
support of these communities.
The forum enables partners to co-ordinate services, share good
practice, respond to problems and learn about the work others
are doing.