Improving the lives of refugees
We speak up for refugees
People who seek protection in the UK should be treated fairly and humanely.
Why we support refugees
Right now, around 1 per cent of the world’s population have been forced to flee their homes.
No one country alone can respond to this humanitarian need. But the UK can and should be a global voice for protecting people’s rights to fair treatment when they flee - wherever they are in the world.
We can set an example at home through the support offered to the small number of people who do seek safety here from war, violence, and persecution.
Every year the British Red Cross helps over 40,000 people in the UK, at all stages of the asylum process.
This includes providing food and clothing to 16,000 refugees, and helping to reunite almost 1,000 people with family in the UK.
What's wrong with the asylum system?
The asylum system needs reform. There are limited safe ways for people to seek asylum in the UK and more people are waiting over a year for an initial decision on their claim.
Too many people are being housed in unsafe accommodation without the support they need.
What needs to change?
Across the UK, we want to see a fair, effective and efficient asylum system that treats people with respect and dignity. Anyone, no matter their nationality or mode of arrival, should be able to access the asylum system and have their claim assessed fairly and rigorously.
We want to see the expansion of safe and managed routes to reach the UK so people fleeing war and persecution don’t fall into the hands of smugglers.
The British Red Cross is calling for a fairer, more effective and compassionate asylum system:
- Uphold access to the asylum system by considering all claims, no matter how someone arrives in the UK.
- Expand existing safe routes, such as family reunion, and pilot new ones, such as humanitarian visas.
- Roll out a more efficient process for making asylum decisions so that decisions are made swiftly and are right the first time.
- Improve support in the UK for refugees and people seeking asylum so they can engage effectively with the process, and for those who stay, integrate and contribute to society.
Find out more in our policy briefing on refugees and people seeking asylum.
Who's affected?
There are an estimated 328,989 refugees living in the UK. The conflict in Ukraine has driven a large increase from the previous year.
That’s just 0.3 per cent of the 108.4 million people throughout the world who have been forced to flee their homes. The UK received 67,337 asylum applications in 2023.
Contact our policy and advocacy team
Email:
More about how we stand with refugees
Do you have a question about this page or want to give us feedback? Visit our Contact us page.