LIB DEMS APPLAUD RESEARCH DISPELLING REFUGEE MYTHS

4.6.03

Liberal Democrats in Haringey have welcomed new research carried out jointly by Middlesex University and the Ethiopian Community Centre, based in Tottenham. The Embrace UK findings explode many of the myths about immigrants and asylum seekers.

Cllr Ron Aitken, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Social Services, said the research indicated that far from living comfortably on benefits or working, Ethiopians in Haringey were denied social security and work because of prejudice, qualifications not being recognised, or fear of state agencies stemming from persecution in their own country.

Cllr Aitken (Crouch End) comments:

"I commend the publication of The Embrace UK Project - Ethiopian Migrants, their beliefs, Refugeedom and Experiences in the UK. It should be read by everyone particularly those in the media and professionals working with refugee groups because it dispels much of the misinformation about the refugee community in Haringey.

"The Government's stance on refugees is such that many well qualified people are being denied the right to work because their qualifications are not recognised in this country. Removing many of the barriers to work would allow Ethiopians and others to participate more fully in the community by obtaining qualifications or putting to use existing skills."

Notes:

Key findings of the research are:

Of the 98 Ethiopian participants interviewed by Middlesex University 19 had to leave Ethiopia due to fear of imprisonment of themselves or family members. 7 had been beaten or tortured and 18 had to leave for political reasons such as coercion or harassment by the ruling party.

19% of the 98 had a Bachelor or Higher Degree and 10% a Diploma or professional qualification - but their qualifications are not recognised in the UK so even doctors, engineers or nurses cannot work here.

Over one-third of the participants received no social security or other benefits at all, a quarter received the minimum Income Support and few received food or cash vouchers. Most could not even afford the fares needed to go to work or college.

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