As figures point to rising numbers of refugees and asylum seekers, a local humanitarian group has pledged to continue to help and support them in the south.
The Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group, a local humanitarian group that works with refugees and asylum seekers, aims to support and provide aid for them.
In the past year the SWVG supported 40 refugees with regularly weekly contact.
Figures released for 2018 show an estimated 20,000 refugees have been granted asylum in the UK.
“Within the past year, the SWVG supported 40 refugees with regularly weekly contact.”
Early in December at the SWVG annual meeting members received a visit from the United Nations Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief coordinator, Mark Lowcock.
“Over 140 million people or refugees will need humanitarian assistance in 2020,” Lowcock said told the SWVG.
When asked what is being done to help these refugees, Lowcock said he is “Looking to raise $29 billion worldwide” via a number of NGOs and humanitarian groups.
“Over 140 million people or refugees will need humanitarian assistance in 2020” – Mark Lowcock
The SWVG heard that 2020 would see the numbers of refugees and asylum seeks increase globally.
Jessica Hassan, a member of the SWVG, said: “When you actually think of that number [140 million], it’s actually a huge huge number. It’s very surprising to say the least”
The number however, will not dissuade Jessica from doing what she can to help. Jessica was quick to express her interest in helping refugees and asylum seekers.
Next year the SWVG and its members will continue to provide support in any way possible.
