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Our 2009 research report, “Over Not Out”, was the first comprehensive examination of the issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender asylum seekers in the UK, and we’re delighted by the impact it is having. Recently, the report served as the inspiration and platform for a two-day international conference hosted at Greenwich University, titled ‘Double Jeopardy’.

Partnership working

was fortunate enough to be invited to join the steering group by Dr Anne Cormack from Greenwich University and it was a perfect example of collaborative working – where vested partners worked together. The aim of the conference was to provide a forum for the transfer of knowledge on the issues across sectors in order to make a lasting impact in the areas of social policy and international human rights. And I think we were successful: attracting academics, legal practitioners, activists and voluntary and private sector organisations – including delegates from Belgium, Germany, Canada and America.

The highlight for me (aside from opening the conference at the House of Lords) was a speech from John Bosco, a Ugandan gay asylum seeker, whose identity and story have been profiled in many of our national newspapers. John’s story made for very difficult listening when he spoke of the barriers he faced because of his sexuality: “it’s not choice, this is who I am.” This turned out to be a very relevant message.

A judgement and a declaration

The conference had coincided with the Supreme Court Judgment on appeals of two men who had been refused asylum on grounds that they could hide their sexuality by behaving discretely. The unanimous decision ruled that the test, as applied by the Court of Appeal was wrong: “To compel a homosexual person to pretend that his sexuality does not exist or suppress the behaviour by which to manifest itself is to deny his fundamental right to be who he is.” This announcement brought the conference to a brilliant close, albeit with agreement that there is still much more to do.

As a starting point, attendees agreed to sign up to “Our Declaration” – a call for action to generate change for LGBTI asylum seekers across the World. The declaration will identify some of the key issues facing LGBTI asylum seekers, one of which was articulately expressed by John Bosco himself when he stated: “I can speak English but I could not speak the Home Office language.” I hope that the declaration creates some positive dialogue with policy makers to address the issues raised. You’ll be able to find it in the near future on the Double Jeopardy website – where you can also find out more about the conference.

Finally

We’ve only just launched, but I think that the impact of the Over Not Out report is a good representation of how the work of the Migration Foundation will have an impact: working in partnership and using evidence-based research to influence policy and practice. I’m looking forward to working with some of the new contacts I’ve made on future projects.  

 

by Paul Birtill, Director of the Migration Foundation

Migration happens. It’s a fact of life. People who are fleeing persecution need safe countries to seek refuge in and business leaders constantly argue that migration is essential for economic development. Nevertheless, the subject has continued to fuel some of the big political debates over the last 10 years.

This was highlighted in the recent election with all parties talking about immigration caps and when immigration doesn’t work. But there was little talk about what does work and fewer solutions offered to make things work. This is where the Migration Foundation comes in.

What we will do

The Migration Foundation seeks to understand migration in the UK and make life better for new migrants and whole communities. We will do this through three main activities:

Funding in partnership

At the local level, so important to making migration work, we will fund innovative projects to try new approaches or extend something that works to benefit more people. By securing match funding from partners with similar interests, we will increase the bang for our buck, promoting the benefits further still. Like the Housing and Migration Network jointly funded with Joseph Rowntree Foundation and delivered in partnership with HACT. The network gives publicity to local projects and fuels the national debate about what needs support at the local level.

Research and evaluation

We will evaluate the projects we support to build an evidence base about how new migrants integrate and how communities respond and, indeed, plan for their arrival. We also want to offer our expertise to other organisations who want to address new migration issues. We’ll do this through our research and consultancy service that is dedicated to new migration issues, headed by Dr Charlotte Keeble.

Influencing policy and practice

It’s not just about building up evidence. We will use what we learn to make change. To influence policy and practice, to make life better for all.

Why we are well placed to make sense of migration

I’m proud to be the first Director of the Migration Foundation, and I’m committed to realising our vision of communities that feel and see the benefits of their diversity; where new migration complements and extends traditions. I know that our Chair Maureen Dalziel and the rest of the Committee are equally committed to realising our goals.

We feel that we have a unique offer to make to our funding partners and commissioners. Not only do we have an exclusive focus on new migrants and the communities where they live and work, but we also have access to literally thousands of new migrants and wider communities through Metropolitan Housing Partnership and benefit from its 50-year history working with diverse communities. We believe we will make sense of migration…..and we would like your help in doing it.

Keep in touch

Whether you are:

• a potential partner who may jointly fund a new programme
• looking to commission experts to help you resolve new migration issues, or
• an individual or an organisation with similar interests

…please do get in touch. Share your thoughts below and, better still, keep in touch by signing up for updates as we begin our journey.

Migration happens. Let’s build a base of evidence on new migration that we can share. Let’s focus on how new migration can help to build on the richness of our communities. There’s real gold out there.

Paul Birtill
Director of the Migration Foundation