© UNHCR/Kim Nelson
About the Commission
The Commission on the Integration of Refugees is an independent commission that aims to improve the integration of refugees. It strives for a society where everyone, including refugees, feels welcome and part of a strong, cohesive community. Bringing together opposing views and diverse experiences from across the UK, the Commission will hear from refugees and asylum seekers, economists, security and police forces, lawyers, third-sector workers, business leaders, clinicians, education and health experts, academics, faith leaders and policy makers from across the political spectrum. They will work together to overcome differences and find common ground on how to fix the broken system with practical solutions.
We will take evidence at hearings in locations across the UK to hear from local people and experts. We will use evidence and commission independent, high quality research. And we will seek the opinions of the public.
The Commission’s newest publication ‘A Broken System? Asylum Reform Initiatives, 1997-2022‘ and the Commission’s full ‘Terms of Reference‘ are now both available to download. Click below to learn more.
OUR MISSION
© UNHCR/Andrew McConnell
Commission Activity
The Commission will run from September 2022 until December 2023. Click here for the Commission’s full terms of reference. The three core strands of the Commission activity are:
Envisioning a Refugee and Asylum System that Furthers Integration:
Based on the findings from The Commission’s research, evidence and hearings, proposals will be developed for a refugee and asylum system that furthers the integration of refugees.
Local Engagement:
Traveling across the UK, The Commission will take evidence from people and organisations engaged in the integration of refugees with a wide range of views and experience. Assessing the differences in refugee and community experience and integration in these places, it will identify and share best practice.
Economic Modelling:
The Commission will undertake work to understand the costs and benefits of the current system, in so far as it relates to the integration of refugees. It will compare these with the projected costs and benefits of the Commission’s proposed reforms.
Upcoming Events and Hearings
The CIR will undertake local events to hear the expertise, views and experiences from people across the UK.
These will take place across 2022 and 2023 in the following regions:
West Midlands
Croydon
Manchester
Newcastle
Belfast
Glasgow
To find out more about these hearings and how you can get involved, contact us.
The Commission is overseen by a Steering Group that consists of Dr Ed Kessler, Trixie Brenninkmeijer, Ben Jackson, Prof Cornelius Katona, Prof Hanna Kienzler, Mishka Pillay and Nicola Thomas.
