Inquiry5

The Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee launched its inquiry on refugees and asylum seekers during the world’s largest refugee crisis since the Second World War.

The Committee looked at how much support is available for refugees and asylum seekers in Wales and how well Wales is responding to the large-scale displacement of Syrians because of the country’s civil war.

Terms of reference:

The terms of reference for the inquiry were to consider:

• the pace and effectiveness of the Welsh Government approach to resettling refugees through the UK Government’s Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme (SVPRS);
• the effectiveness of the Refugee and Asylum Seeker Delivery Plan;
• the support and advocacy available to unaccompanied asylum seeking children in Wales; and
• the role and effectiveness of the Welsh Government’s Community Cohesion Delivery Plan in ensuring the integration of refugees and asylum seekers in Welsh communities.

Evidence gathering

As part of its evidence gathering, the Committee held a variety of oral evidence sessions and held a consultation. A schedule of oral evidence can be viewed below.

Report

The Committee published its report on refugees and asylum seekers in Wales (PDF 1MB) in April 2017.

On publication of the report, John Griffiths AM, Chair of the Committee said:

“We found examples of good practice across Wales, and it is clear that in many places and in many ways both public services and the third sector are working effectively to help refugees and asylum seekers to adjust to life in our communities and to get the support they need. However, we also heard evidence that in a number of areas the Welsh Government needs to do more to help delivery partners, including by making representations to the UK Government, by refreshing the strategic direction and by getting directly involved in delivery.”

A shorter ‘Spark’ report has also been published, read it here.

The Welsh Government laid its response to the report (PDF, 325.7KB) in June 2017, ahead of a debate in Plenary which was held on 21 June 2017. 

Keeping in touch

If you'd like to know more about the work of the Equality, Local Government and Communities, please view its homepage, follow its Twitter account or contact the team that supports the Committee at SeneddCommunities@assembly.wales