Do you feel concerned by what has recently happened in Belfast and in the UK more generally? Do you feel afraid or feel for people who are most vulnerable? As the saying goes: “Do not agonise, organise!” Join a group and discuss with peers and act in ways that may contribute to making Belfast a more welcoming place. Join STAR!

What is STAR?

STAR (Student Action for Refugees) is a national student network working towards creating a more welcoming, understanding and just society for refugees and asylum seekers. While each STAR student group is different, groups engage in activities like volunteering with refugees locally, campaigning at a national level for change to policy and equal access to higher education, campaigning for local improvements, and more generally learning about asylum seeker and refugee protection in the UK. There are STAR groups in England, Scotland, and Wales, but currently none in Northern Ireland.  

“STAR is a fantastic example of how students can make positive and long-lasting change through their activism and advocacy. STAR was instrumental in the creation of Sanctuary Scholarships at QUB and these have been game-changers for people who continue to benefit. It would be wonderful to see STAR reestablished!”

Liz Griffith - Head of Policy & Research - Migration Justice Project, Law Centre NI

Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the number of people seeking sanctuary in recent years has increased. While 76% of people in Northern Ireland agree that we have a duty to protect refugees, they continue to face various challenges. At a practical level, better support is needed across a range of areas including education, housing, employment, health and social care, and meeting basic living needs. At a societal level, refugees and asylum seekers continue to face exclusion, racism and harassment.

“Groups like STAR are vital to building a society we can all be proud of, where everyone is welcome and everyone is valued. The racist and anti-migrant violence over the summer has shown the power of local people standing up for refugees. Come be a part of the movement for Welcome!”

Niamh Rowan - Volunteer - Rainbow Refugees NI

In recent weeks, we have witnessed anti-immigration violence in Northern Ireland and across the UK, including verbal abuse, physical violence, and property damage. The people of Northern Ireland responded with a clear statement that such hatred and exclusion is unwelcome here, with well-attended pro-refugee and anti-racism rallies in Derry and Belfast. However, there are many who still feel intimidated and are seriously and rightly concerned for their safety. Now is the time to build on this message by establishing a STAR group at QUB.

“In the wake of the racist violence and intimidation that exploded onto the streets of Belfast and beyond in the last few weeks, it has never been more important or urgent to gather and galvanize our communities in solidarity. The students of Queen’s University have often been at the forefront of human rights focused movements and it remains imperative that this tradition continues. The last fifteen years of austerity and mismanagement, coupled with the “Hostile Environment” policy of the previous government have left Northern Ireland a fertile ground for misinformation, fear mongering and blame shifting against our refugee and migrant neighbours. It is essential that we unite to dispel this rhetoric and work to change the unjust and de-humanising migration policies and systems currently in place.”.

Fiona Doran - Volunteer - Co-convenor UAR (United Against Racism)

Accessing and studying at university

In the university context, only 5% of refugees worldwide have access to higher education. Asylum seekers and refugees may lack the financial resources to cover university fees and related costs, they can struggle to meet admission criteria due to problems evidencing their qualifications, and they may need additional support with preparing to enter higher education in an unfamiliar context. Furthermore, students may also have experienced trauma or stress relating to their asylum journey, which may impact their progression.

Media

How to get involved?

If you are a QUB student and would like to be involved in setting up a STAR group at QUB, please contact Dr Amanda Kramer, Dr Lauren Dempster, or Dr Teresa Degenhardt. STAR is a student-led initiative, but as staff we would like to connect interested students and provide whatever support you might find helpful.

You can contact us via email to:

Lauren.Dempster@qub.ac.uk

A.L.Kramer@qub.ac.uk

T.Degenhardt@qub.ac.uk

(intext pictures courtesy of Happy Women's Group)