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emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham
@emilyagraham.bsky.social
710 followers 740 following 77 posts
Refugee and asylum policy. Plus sometimes human rights & democratic participation. Trustee of Care Rights UK.
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emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 17d
Seventy-five years on, calls to retire the Refugee Convention are growing - its critics argue that it's outdated and not fit for purpose in the twenty first century

They're wrong.

🧵
futuregovforum.bsky.social
The Future Governance Forum (FGF) @futuregovforum.bsky.social · 17d
NEW: FGF's @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social & @emilyagraham.bsky.social argue the UK must lead international efforts to renew refugee protection

In an essay published today, they propose three reforms, including #asylum processing along migration routes ⏬
futuregovforum.substack.com/p/the-refuge...
The Refugee Convention 75 years on: the case for renewal
By Beth Gardiner-Smith, FGF Senior Policy Associate and Emily Graham, FGF Policy Associate.
futuregovforum.substack.com
1 6 19
emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 9h
In @labourlist.bsky.social today, @alfdubs.bsky.social warns that Britain’s legacy is at risk

But argues that Labour's leadership can save it if they rally behind Starmer’s message at conference & shift the narrative on asylum away from far-right's divisive rhetoric

labourlist.org/2025/10/brit...
'Britain’s proud legacy is at risk but Labour’s leadership can save it' - LabourList
Lord Alf Dubs argues that Britain’s proud history of providing sanctuary should not be squandered.
labourlist.org
emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 7d
This Labour govt also recognised this when they lifted financial & language tests for Afghan families separated in the evacuation of Kabul

Reliant on (non-refugee) family migration rules, these families were unable to reunite until this govt stepped in & opened a new, more accessible scheme
emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 7d
Despite what's reported, in the EU, refugees get more favourable rules for family reunion for an initial period when they're first granted asylum - due to "the reasons which obliged them to flee their country and prevent them from leading a normal family life there"
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emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 7d
The fact of being a refugee also makes it difficult to meet typical rules - it's hard to meet financial requirements when you're destitute or just starting to rebuild your life in a new country

It's hard for family to meet English tests when they're often also at risk / fleeing persecution
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emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 7d
Refugee families are often separated in circumstances beyond their control

Sometimes people have to flee quickly alone because they're most at risk. Other times people are separated on chaotic journeys, or are unable to risk the journey at all.

Refugees cannot return home to be with family.
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emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 7d
And it's right that the rules are different for families in different circumstances

Whether the rules for other types of family migration are appropriate, is another debate. But the rules for refugee families must reflect the circumstances in which people become refugees
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emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 7d
In some cases, refugees can also sponsor a child relative, like younger sibling or grandchild. They must usually pay a fee and show they can support & accommodate the child from their own pocket

The rules for refugees are different, e.g. no minimum income requirements or English tests
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emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 7d
What are the rules for refugees?

Refugees can reunite with their partner & children, as long as these relationships pre-date them fleeing their home country. There are no financial or English language requirements.
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emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 7d
Govt plans to restrict family reunion for refugees is back in the news today - including the fact that there are different rules for refugee families to other migrants & British citizens

So what are the rules for refugee families, and why are they different?

Time for a thread on what's what 🧵
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emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 11d
Kicking off our @futuregovforum.bsky.social event, ‘Labour, Populism & the Future of Asylum’, to a packed room at #Lab25
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Reposted by Emily Graham
bengoldsborough.bsky.social
Ben Goldsborough MP @bengoldsborough.bsky.social · 13d
Populists want confusion. Democracy demands clarity, courage and action. The threat is real – but it’s not insurmountable.

www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...
4/4
The Future of Asylum - A vision for renewal - Future Governance Forum
The Future of Asylum - A vision for renewal considers how the government can reform and renew the asylum system.
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk
1 1 4
Reposted by Emily Graham
bengoldsborough.bsky.social
Ben Goldsborough MP @bengoldsborough.bsky.social · 13d
Democracy isn’t self-defending. It needs us to stand up for it.

I’ve written for the @futuregovforum.bsky.social's new report: The Future of Asylum – A Vision for Renewal.
👉
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...
1/4
The Future of Asylum - A vision for renewal - Future Governance Forum
The Future of Asylum - A vision for renewal considers how the government can reform and renew the asylum system.
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk
1 1 6
emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 13d
"It remains our responsibility to provide a convincing counter to the politics of division, hate & fantasy solutions. Refugees will continue to come"

Spot on from @alfdubs.bsky.social introducing this new collection, which attempts to meet this challenge & offer new ideas on the future of asylum

👇
futuregovforum.bsky.social
The Future Governance Forum (FGF) @futuregovforum.bsky.social · 13d
NEW: 'The Future of Asylum - A vision for renewal’ essay collection published today offers bold ideas for reform & renewal of #asylum

Tackling the big questions from ‘contribution’ & community cohesion to asylum hotels & international reform.

Read ⏬
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the...
The Future of Asylum - A vision for renewal - Future Governance Forum
The Future of Asylum - A vision for renewal considers how the government can reform and renew the asylum system.
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk
3 5
emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 14d
As Trump administration is due to launch their proposal at UNGA, we must be clear about what's at stake

⚠️ Without progressive leadership from UK government & others, the international system of refugee protection faces a perilous future
emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 14d
@bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social & I recently set out what progressive reform could look like, in an essay published by @futuregovforum.bsky.social

We argue it is time to renew refugee protection for today's world, and call on the UK govt to lead these efforts 👇

substack.com/home/post/p-...
The Refugee Convention 75 years on: the case for renewal
By Beth Gardiner-Smith, FGF Senior Policy Associate and Emily Graham, FGF Policy Associate.
substack.com
1 1
emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 14d
The international refugee protection system does need reform

But the fundamental principles of the right to seek asylum & non-refoulement are as relevant & needed today as when they were enshrined in law. They must not change.

What needs updating is the implementation of the right to seek asylum
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emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 14d
The Trump administration's domestic policy also gives insight into their aims & approach:

❌ Asylum effectively closed at US border
❌ World-leading refugee resettlement shut down

Having turned their back on refugees fleeing some of the worst crises, white Afrikaners are being resettled instead
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emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 14d
Neighbouring countries already host the majority of refugees. But under proposed plans, why should they alone offer protection and support, when the US & others no longer play their part?

Such an approach could trigger a domino effect of states withdrawing from the Refugee Convention
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emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 14d
This might look like 'reform' but make no mistake, it would fundamentally undermine the whole system

Countries like US or UK would no longer be obliged to offer asylum. Those states neighbouring refugee crises would bear responsibility alone.
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emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 14d
According to Reuters report, under Trump administration plans:
▶️ people seeking asylum would have to claim in the first country they enter
▶️ asylum would be temporary
▶️ the host country would decide when people would have to return
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emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 14d
The Trump administration is planning to push at UNGA to unravel our international refugee protection system & restrict asylum rights

So what are they planning & what does it mean?
tedhesson.bsky.social
Ted Hesson @tedhesson.bsky.social · 27d
Exclusive: Trump administration plans push at UN to restrict global asylum rights, w/ @jonathanlanday.bsky.social www.reuters.com/world/africa...
Exclusive: Trump administration plans push at UN to restrict global asylum rights
President Donald Trump's administration plans to call for sharply narrowing the right to asylum at the United Nations later this month, documents show, as it seeks to undo the post-World War Two framework around humanitarian protection.
www.reuters.com
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emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 16d
Looking forward to being at #Lab25 next week - make sure you save Sunday 3-4pm in your diaries for a timely discussion on "Labour, Populism & the Future of Asylum" 👀

More details & @futuregovforum.bsky.social's full event programme below ⏬
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/party-confer...
futuregovforum.bsky.social
The Future Governance Forum (FGF) @futuregovforum.bsky.social · 16d
This week we'll be at #Lab25, hosting 12 events featuring:
➡️ Ministers Liz Kendall, James Murray, Josh Simons, Kirsty McNeill & Lucy Rigby
➡️ Mayors Brabin, Ward, Coppard & Godwin
➡️ Fmr ministers/officials James Purnell & Helen MacNamara

Full agenda 👇
www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/party-confer...
1 3
Reposted by Emily Graham
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social
bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social · 17d
📣 📣 New today

The UK should lead a coalition to reform the implementation of the Refugee Convention and deliver a system that's fairer, safe and more controlled.

A thread 🧵

futuregovforum.substack.com/p/the-refuge...
The Refugee Convention 75 years on: the case for renewal
By Beth Gardiner-Smith, FGF Senior Policy Associate and Emily Graham, FGF Policy Associate.
futuregovforum.substack.com
1 1 2
emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 17d
Without progressive leadership, the international system of refugee protection faces a perilous future

The UK must step up to
👉 defend refugee protection framework
👉 renew the system so it’s fit for purpose in today’s world

This opportunity may never come again. We must act before it is too late.
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emilyagraham.bsky.social
Emily Graham @emilyagraham.bsky.social · 17d
So how can govts both ensure greater order, safety & trust in the system and preserve fundamental rights?

In our new essay published today, 'The Refugee Convention 75 years on: the case for renewal', @bethgardiner-smith.bsky.social & I offer three ideas

futuregovforum.substack.com/p/the-refuge...
The Refugee Convention 75 years on: the case for renewal
By Beth Gardiner-Smith, FGF Senior Policy Associate and Emily Graham, FGF Policy Associate.
futuregovforum.substack.com
1 2