Campaigns Overview

STAR campaigns to improve the lives of refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. Got questions? We’ve got answers:

Why campaign for refugees and asylum seekers?

Refugees and asylum seekers are a vulnerable group of people who often have a long and difficult struggle to secure their safety in another country. As people fleeing persecution, torture and prejudice they need and deserve our support.

Some UK laws and policies are very damaging to people who are seeking protection in this country. For example, asylum seekers can be detained for many months or years, are not allowed to work and are often denied all financial support and forced into destitution if their claim for asylum is denied.

How does STAR campaign?

STAR groups campaign together. Campaigning for change requires a clear message delivered in a clear voice. STAR members campaign together through the STAR network, co-ordinated and supported by STAR National.

We focus on a few important topics so that our message is heard clearly. STAR members decide which issues to campaign on through consultations convened by STAR National.

STAR campaigns in partnership with other organisations. By working closely with other activists —such as Amnesty International, Refugee Council and CARA— we can combine our skills and voice with expert campaigners.

STAR has focus. STAR only campaigns on issues affecting asylum seekers and refugees in the UK. For campaigning to be effective it is important to be focused. As a charity, STAR also has a legal responsibility to campaign only on those issues that are stated as our charitable objectives.

If your STAR group is planning a campaign not supported by STAR National, you must discuss this with STAR National first.

STAR’s current campaigns

Equal Access: Asylum seekers do not have the same right to university education as their British-born peers. As a student network, STAR believes that this is wrong and that we are uniquely placed to correct this injustice. STAR is leading a campaign to ensure that asylum seekers have Equal Access to higher education.

Still Human Still Here: Thousands of individuals are living in poverty and homelessness after being refused asylum. STAR is working with over 40 organisations including Amnesty and Refugee Action in the ‘Still Human Still Here’ coalition to end destitution.

Right to Work: STAR is campaigning for the right to work for asylum seekers to allow them to support themselves.

Child Detention: STAR continues to campaign to demand an immediate end to the detention of children seeking asylum.