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A Progressive Approach to Migration
Refugee camp, Macedonia-Kosovo border
Since 2005, the Barrow Cadbury Trust has been working to promote a more progressive and less superficial discussion about migration.
Our starting point has been to recognise that it is the most vulnerable – newcomers and settled communities alike – who are worst affected by the outcomes of rapid migration. The aim of this programme is to help identify and pre-empt tensions, developing progressive responses which both respect the rights of migrants and ensure that the most disadvantaged groups are protected against any negative repercussions.
The Barrow Cadbury Trust works to promote migrant voices, by involving migrants and refugees in decisions that affect their lives and society as a whole. Throughout the years, the Trust has supported refugee and migrant community groups and has provided a platform for refugees and migrants to organise and speak out at local level. Working with a number of leading activists, The Barrow Cadbury Trust has launched the Migrant Rights Network, which provides a forum for refugees and migrants to raise their common concerns and contribute to policy debates. Click to view 'Migrant Voices, Migrant Rights' and 'Snapshot on Asylum, Migration and Social Cohesion'
The Barrow Cadbury Trust funds a number of Voluntary and Community Sector organisations working in highly diverse areas, many of them migrant led. Our experience is that these often very small and ill-resourced groups bear the brunt of the pressures that emerge from rapid inward migration. Due to the levels of trust that they enjoy, these groups can act as the buffers for community tensions and have the most ready first hand intelligence about inflamed local feelings. They are also forced to compensate for the increasing barriers that are placed on migrants accessing public services and work. Groups supported include Refugee and Migrant Centre and Women Acting in Today's Society (WAITS).
The Barrow Cadbury Trust also co-operates with key progressive organisations including COMPASS, the Fabian Society, ippr and Policy Network - with the aim of developing understanding and designing progressive policies.
As well as our activities in the UK, we endeavour to work on the same issues at European level. Across the Continent, we are witnessing growing unease about migration and increasing diversity. In order to respond to these developments, we are collaborating with other foundations across Europe. Initiatives include:
