During this month’s conference call, we were joined by guest speaker Eden Kulig, Public Affairs and Government Relations Advisor at Bond UK. Together, we discussed the importance of supporting asylum seekers as well as fighting global povery, highlighting how these two things are not mutaully exclusive or in conflict with each other.
During the call, we discussed the impact of financially supporting refugees in the UK on international development programmes, the perception that the UK cannot afford to support both international development and refugees, and the importance of addressing this issue amidst the Government’s stance on migrants. Kulig provided valuable insights on these topics, and we had a constructive conversation on how to approach these concerns.
If you would like to join our efforts this month, check out the action materials for guidance on how to contact your local media to amplify this message.
Links mentioned on the call:
Andrew Mitchell’s speech to Chatham House
Images from health professionals around the world on immunisation services
Gill’s blog ‘Signs of life and hope on World Health Day’
BOND’s recent statement on the aid budget
Devex article on aid cuts and their consequences
Article on Home Office spending of the ODA budget on 1st year refugee costs
RESULTS article by Ruthie Walter on the narratives around refugees and ODA spending:
Recent BOND article in the Big Issue on the current asylum debate in the UK and its impact on international development
Resource to prepare to meet with your MP
Action Materials on racism and oppression
BOND article on the impact of aid cuts on NGOs
Article on other donor countries spending ODA domestically