News

We've just completed research for UNU-Wider into the impact of educational achievement on the integration and wellbeing of Afghan refugee youth in the UK. Catherine, RSN's director, explains more:

Over the past few weeks, the plight of the Windrush generation has cast light on the complexity of the immigration system, the impact of the ‘hostile environment’ on people in communities across our country, and the fact that individuals are forcibly removed to countries where they have few, if any, support networks and opportunities. Many of those affected by these realities came to this country as unaccompanied children seeking asylum.

A small number of young people we work with have been affected by a legal change restricting their access to education. We spoke to the Observer about the negative impact that the withdrawal of the right to study will have on young asylum seekers for whom education is one of the most positive aspects of their lives.

We've signed ECPAT UK's open letter to the Home Secretary, asking her to reconsider the decision to return a survivor of child trafficking to a country where he has no family or support networks and to reform the support provided to all children identified as victims of modern slavery in the UK.

What do we prioritise in our work and research? How do we bridge the gap between the UK and overseas? What difference does educational support make? We talked to Al-Fanar Media about our history, work and ethos. 

RSN is part of the Croydon Young Refugees Network, an umbrella group of around 30 organisations working to improve opportunities and outcomes for young refugees and asylum seekers in the Croydon area. We were signatories to the group's statement in response to the recent attack of a 17 year old Kurdish boy. 

A new report, Invisible Wounds, from Save the Children has revealed how the war in Syria has ruined childhoods, leading to ‘toxic stress’ across a generation of children, leaving a life-long impact on their mental and physical health.

Read our letter to the Evening Standard, calling on the government to make refugee children welcome

Here's our letter to the Evening Standard, welcoming the call by the former Archbishop of Canterbury to make refugee children welcome in the UK.

We talk to the Guardian about how schools are helping refugee children to succeed and move forward with their lives.

After the publication of our After Return research, our team and work have featured in a range of articles and podcasts about the issues facing young people after forced removal to Afghanistan.

RSN speaks alongside the Bishop of Manchester at a “where are we now?” panel discussion looking at the global refugee crisis 6 months on from the headline-making summer of 2015. 

RSN's director, Catherine, speaks to Russia Today about our work with young Afghans facing forced removal to Afghanistan.