Background
The Welsh Refugee Council has over twenty-one years experience of working with refugees, asylum seekers and refused asylum seekers. It provides confidential and independent advice services across Wales, advocates for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, supports capacity building for refugee community organisations, and promotes good community relations. Its vision is to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers are safe, and that they get the support they need to rebuild their lives in Wales.
The Welsh Refugee Council’s work is guided by the core principle that the right to seek asylum is a fundamental right. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, an international standard that has provided the essential protection to save hundreds and thousands of lives since it was established.
Findings and Recommendations from the Calman Commission following a submission of evidence from the Scottish Refugee Council
‘RECOMMENDATION 5.7: In dealing with the children of asylum seekers, the
relevant UK authorities must recognise the statutory responsibilities of Scottish
authorities for the well-being of children in Scotland’.
4. In 2010 the UK Government published its White Paper on the Scotland Bill. The Bill will implement recommendations of the Final Report of the Commission on Scottish Devolution (the Calman Commission). It will make changes to the finances of the Scottish Parliament, including a new Scottish rate of income tax, and make a number of adjustments to the boundary of devolved responsibilities. The Bill is currently going through Westminster and the majority SNP government are asking for further powers to be devolved.
Available online http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/30_11_10_scotlandbill.pdf
Daisy Cole
Head of Influencing, PR and Child Policy