Words by
Martin Calderon
About our Parliamentary Event
Last month on the 14th of May, over 100 young migrants, 20 organisations, and 4 brave young speakers came together to unite their voices and share their stories to raise awareness of the systemic barriers faced by over 330,000 young migrants in the UK as part of our #OutOfTheLoop campaign.
The theme of our Parliamentary event was "Our Democracy, Our Say" and it was an opportunity to get young people to engage with MPs and decision-makers to share our experiences and discuss solutions to the rise in Home Office application fees. An issue that has had a huge impact on our lives and mental health for over a decade.
The event was co-organised by We Belong staff and our Parliamentary and Policy working group. The working group set an example by writing to their MPs about this issue and encouraging more young people to attend the event. They also motivated young people to engage with their MPs and organisations to gain support by pledging their support for our campaign.
The Speakers Panel
The event was inaugurated by Mariam Bafo, our Policy and Public Affairs Lead. She shared the story of We Belong's founding and reminded everyone present why we continue to fight for the right of young migrants to access fair and equitable routes to settlement. This mission was echoed by three cross-party MP hosts Tim Farron, Dame Meg Hillier and Tim Loughton who gave their opening remarks and reiterated their support for our organisation and the #OutOfTheLoopCampaign before joining our CEO and speakers at the panel table.
The event then continued to an engaging panel discussion led by four young people we've worked with and chaired by our CEO Chrisann Jarrett, MBE. Santiago, Chris-ann, Victory, and Kimberly, shared with us their experiences and journeys in overcoming the systemic barriers placed on them by their immigration status and advising other young people in the room on navigating their circumstances. Each one of them is at different stages of the immigration journey; from being first granted limited status to being able to have obtained Indefinite Leave to Remain.
During the panel's Q&A session, our supporters and attendees showed amazing engagement by asking relevant and impactful questions to the MP hosts and panel speakers.
For example, our legal partner Coram asked; 'After experiencing all this hardship and struggles, do you still have faith the law can solve this issue?' To which Chris-ann, aspiring lawyer and mother of two British children responded 'We know that this is a marathon. We're doing this so that the next generation doesn't have to. When it's time we can pass the baton on to them.'
This inspiring answer reminded us that we've got a long road ahead to resolve this injustice for young migrants. However, we're creating history by coming together and making our voices heard by decision-makers and are playing a key part in not only improving the futures of young migrants but British society as a whole.
To conclude the event, our young people interacted with their invited MPS. They networked with the other charity organisations present, informing them about our Manifesto and encouraging them to pledge their support to the #OutOfTheLoop campaign.
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Kimberly, Victory and Chris-Ann sharing their lived experience as part of the panel discussion.
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Mariam Bafo opening the parliamentary event and adressing the MP hosts and young people.
'We know that this is a marathon. We're doing this so that the next generation doesn't have to. When it's time we can pass the baton on to them.'
Chris-Ann Clarke, We Belong Member
You can find a summary of the panel discussion and Q&A in this illustration by Javie, @Javhux from @MigrantsinCulture. Be sure to follow her amazing artwork to show your support!
What happens next?
We must continue to spread awareness of the #OutOfTheLoop campaign to reach more young people who are in this situation. As well as inform electoral candidates, future MPs and decision-makers about this issue that heavily impacts hundreds of thousands of young migrants who call the UK their home.
Click below to sign our Manifesto on Action Network to Urge the UK government to support the #OutOfTheLoop campaign and be sure to share our campaign on social media!
With your support, we can help young migrants get out of the Home Office loop and on with our lives. Reach out to us at info@webelong.org.uk if you'd like to get involved.
Sign our Manifesto