Migration Exchange (MEX)

In response to the horrific far right violence in the UK, last week many of us in the refugee and migration sector came together to support each other at this challenging time. 💡With colleagues at Refugee Action, Refugee Council, and Freedom from Torture, we organised an online space for those identifying as having lived experience of the migration system and working in the migration field. In this space people shared thoughts, insights, and crucially, their demands for change: Demands that were also shared with decision-makers, urging for immediate action to tackle the root causes of the violence. Please read more about them here: ➡️ People with lived experience and professionals in the migration sector signed a letter for the Prime Minister, calling for comprehensive policy reform that centres racial justice and addresses the deep-rooted flaws in the migration system. Read about the letter in the Mirror here: https://lnkd.in/dnaZyhg5 And see the full letter here: https://lnkd.in/d2qEVW_z ➡️ People with lived experience and professionals in the migration sector also signed a letter to charity leaders and funders, calling for prioritised safety measures, wellbeing support, and both emergency and long-term funding: Learn more about their urgent appeal in Third Sector here: https://lnkd.in/dCB5vgWv And the full letter here: https://lnkd.in/dQrSC64f 💡 For more reflections about this response, you can also view our latest blog - co-authored by Kolbassia Haoussou MBE , Marchu Belete, Mohamed Omar, and Yusuf Ciftci: https://lnkd.in/dcHiWZZH Thank you to everyone who contributed and to all those working towards change in this difficult time.

📣 New Blog 📣 Fostering Equity in Leadership: Key Takeaways from the Equity Catalysts Community of Practice 💡 In a new blog, Migration Exchange Co-Director Marchu Belete highlights key insights from our latest report, Equity Catalysts Community of Practice Co-Design Process and Challenges by Reem ASSIL. The blog highlights some of the powerful lessons learned during the Community of Practice. Participants reflected on tackling power dynamics, unlearning traditional leadership, and centring lived experience. This approach offers a path forward for more equitable, anti-oppressive leadership in the refugee and migration sector. To learn more, read our blog 👉 https://bit.ly/48mG56j 

‘This Government’s approach must continue to be challenged where it falls short, and there must continue to be efforts to engage across the political spectrum to advocate for a fair and humane immigration system.’ In our latest blog, MEX Co-directors, Marchu Belete and Sarah Cutler, share their key takeaways from Labour Party Conference 2024 and why this is a critical moment for asylum policy and migration reform ➡ https://bit.ly/3BghGCS

📣Call for Expressions of Interest: Evaluation and Learning Tender - NRPF Partnership We’re excited to launch the process to appoint an evaluation and learning partner to enable our partnership to continuously learn and improve and understand how effective our approach and movement-building is with regards to bringing about tangible systems change to the NRPF condition. We are looking for an evaluation partner(s) that embodies our partnership principles and can bring in expertise critical for executing a complex intervention.   The closing date to submit an expression of interest is 27 September 2024 at 5 pm. Visit our website for more details about this call for proposals and how to apply. ➡️https://lnkd.in/edRKKUCG   We are hosting an online information session on Tuesday, 17 September at 2:00 pm. Details on how to sign up can be found in the tender specification.   Note: The NRPF Partnership is being developed by Migration Exchange (MEX), Citizens UK and Praxis, for Migrants and Refugees

📣New consultancy opportunity with Migration Exchange! We are currently seeking proposals for a Learning Partner to support us to monitor and evaluate, ‘Shaping the Future’, an initiative to boost resources available to refugee and migration organisations for leadership development. The closing date for applications is Monday 16 September 2024 at 6 pm. For more information, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eFq6wM_K

'While we may have closed our doors in response to a threat, our commitment to advocating for justice and safety for all people seeking asylum has never been stronger.’ The 7 August was a pivotal moment that has profoundly impacted many in the UK refugee and migration sector. In a new blog posted by ACEVO, MEX Co-Director Marchu Belete shares a salient reflection on the fears of the day and how it has only reinforced our collective resolve to challenge these issues and drive forward change with a united effort. 💡 Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/eCXGw_wN

“Systems change work needs deep, long-term investment and care in the most affected communities" Together with other funder intermediaries in the UK, we are bringing together our networks, infrastructure and skills to focus on four key priorities. Read more in the joint letter from Civic Power Fund, Funders for Race Equality Alliance, The Justice Together Initiative and Migration Exchange: https://lnkd.in/dUBKxJBP  

In a week marred by horrific violence and far-right unrest, our hearts are heavy with grief and anger. The brutal attack that claimed the lives of three small children and left many others hospitalised has left us reeling. Hijacking this tragedy, white racists have rioted causing fear, harm and destruction, targeting Muslims, Black people and those who came to this country seeking safety. Migration Exchange condemns the violence and harm caused by far-right racists who are spreading hate. This racist violence is the culmination of decades of toxic rhetoric and policies. We will continue to build solidarity in the face of adversity and strive for a future where everyone feels safe and valued. We send our love and support to all those impacted.

“People with lived experience are waking up to realise… we have agency and power to change things, to confront the system” – Conference participant. In April of this year, Migration Exchange co-organised the Reclaiming Lived Experience Leadership conference with Freedom from Torture, Refugee Action and Refugee Council. It was a day full of amazing insights from people that work in and fund the UK refugee and migration sector. To capture and share the learnings and key insights from the day, we have put together a report. In this event we explored three key areas: defining lived experience leadership, identifying and dismantling barriers to power, and enhancing career opportunities. 💡 If you are interested in hearing more about these discussion, visit our website to download the report: https://bit.ly/4czNQ9O

Thank you so much Reem ASSIL for your amazing and impactful work on the community of practice. And thank you all for taking part, sharing with, and adding to this community. 📝 Watch this space! We'll be sharing key insights, learnings and reflections from the Equity Catalysts sessions held on anti-racism, representation and recognition, access to senior positions, and understanding lived experience.