Vinnies welcomes report on refugee experiences

The National Council of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia welcomes the release of Foundations for Belonging 2021 Insights on newly arrived refugees: Women and Digital Inclusion, September 2021. This report tracks the experience and contributions of newly arrived refugees in Australia.

St Vincent de Paul National President, Claire Victory, said refugees have contributed in immeasurable terms to the social and cultural fabric of Australia for decades. What this report reflects is the evolving policy, practice and evidence base for refugee settlement in Australia, and further emphasises the benefits of accepting refugees into our communities.

“The study, which adds to the existing evidence base by highlighting the crucial role of social connections and rights and responsibilities in settlement, integration and belonging, is very welcome, especially at a time when our borders are not as welcoming as they once were. The focus on the strengths and contributions of refugees is timely,” Ms Victory said.

The report presents findings from a second wave of research carried out with newly arrived refugees in Australia. The data was collected as the COVID-19 pandemic impacted communities in Australia and around the world.

During this period digital technologies became even more important in daily life, work and study. Consequently, this second wave provides insights on digital inclusion among newly arrived refugees in Australia.

The report concludes that

• Permanent protection is the central pillar for refugees gaining access to equal
  rights, equal opportunities to fulfil responsibilities, and a pathway to Australian
  citizenship;
• Volunteering opportunities should be open and accessible to refugees and
  responsive to refugees’ strengths and demonstrated willingness to volunteer;
  and
• Younger refugee women can act as ‘digital enablers’ within their communities
  to help and support older members of their communities to find information by
  accessing and using digital resources.

A copy of the report Foundations for Belonging 2021 Insights on newly arrived refugees:
Women and digital inclusion, September 2021 can be found here

_{MEDIA NOTES: The St Vincent de Paul Society was founded in Paris, France in 1833 by a 20-year old Italian student, Frederic Ozanam. Today, the Society operates in 153 countries and has over 800,000 members. Australia has over 60,000 members, dedicated to assisting people in need and combating social injustice. The Society started in Tasmania in 1899 when founders established a Conference in Launceston. From humble beginnings, the Society has grown to 25 Conferences within three Regional Councils across Tasmania. Each Conference undertake a variety of good works, the most recognised being the traditional Vincentian home visits and the annual CEO Sleep-out to draw attention to homelessness.}

_{Media contact, Mark Wells: +61 414 015 966 (24-hours)
© St Vincent de Paul Society and MWPA.}