New strategy on supporting refugees

A new strategy on supporting refugees in Scotland’s communities will be published this year, Equalities Secretary Angela Constance has confirmed.

The landmark New Scots refugee integration strategy, which ran from 2014-17, has been hailed as a trailblazing approach to supporting refugees and asylum seekers to settle in Scotland. The distinct approach of New Scots aims to enable refugees to settle and rebuild their lives from the day they arrive, to become active members of our communities and realise their full potential.

A report published by the Scottish Government outlines the progress the New Scots strategy has made in the past three years, and acknowledges the areas the new strategy will build on. The strategy will be developed by the Scottish Government, COSLA and the Scottish Refugee Council.

Dr Alison Strang, from the Institute for Global Health and Development at Queen Margaret University and Chair of the New Scots Core Implementation Group, said:

“There is much to celebrate as we reflect on the work of New Scots. Now is the time to step up a gear as we tackle the ongoing challenges.  By extending the reach of the strategy we can ensure that refugees across Scotland can realise their full potential and become active members of our communities.”

Read more: https://news.gov.scot/news/refugee-integration-strategy

 

Image credit: Craig Chew-Moulding CC by 2.0