The UK has accepted a few thousand refugees from Afghanistan following the rise to power of the Taliban. The majority of these refugees have been brought to the UK out of fear for their lives in Afghanistan, largely due to their cooperation with British personnel. A smaller number were airlifted haphazardly.

These refugees now face numerous immediate challenges regarding housing, employment, integration and mental health. ICIC organised a conference on Thursday 9th September bringing together experts to discuss ways in which these urgent problems can be tackled with the collaboration of a common and multilateral initiative.

Speakers included:

Lisa Doyle, Director of Advocacy and Engagement at the Refugee Council, gives a comprehensive overview of the main issues being faced by people who have fled Afghanistan and arrived in the UK; usefully placing these challenges within the context of the broader asylum and immigration system. (Please view Lisa's contribution via this link)

Fahima Zaheen, Executive Director at Afghan Association Paiwand, talks about the difficulties in achieving integration for those that have arrived from Afghanistan and those that have fled conflict more generally. Her talk focuses on mental health challenges amongst communities that have escape violent and traumatic situations and the need for those working towards integration to build a common vision and structure. (Please view Fahima's contribution via this link)

Jolande Mace, Strategic Cohesion and Migration Manager for Middlesbrough Borough Council, talks about many of the specific and local challenges Middlesbrough Council and faced and responded to in welcoming and integrating new Afghan arrivals into their community. (Please click here to view Jolande's contribution)

Moez Nathu, CEO for The Peterborough Asylum and Refugee Community Association (PARCA), talks about his life as a refugee, his work with PARCA and the lessons he has learned working on both the Syrian Vulnerable Person Resettlement Programme and now the Afghan Resettlement Scheme. (Please click here to view Moez's contribution)