No Poverty - UN SDGs

ACH’s vision and mission closely aligns to several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The 17 goals focus mainly on challenges in developing countries, however, most of these challenges also occur here in the UK. Our work with refugees and migrants aims to support their resettlement through labour market and social integration; fitting in with these interconnected global goals for 2030. To raise awareness of how big and small changes across the globe can impact on these goals, and hopefully share some inspiration from the work that ACH are doing, we have created a blog series around the Sustainable Development Goals that link with our work; no poverty, quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities and sustainable cities and communities.

No Poverty

What is the goal?

To end poverty in every form by 2030.

Why it matters?

There are over 700 million people across the globe living in poverty. This means they are living without basic needs such as shelter, food, water, education and sanitation. Poverty not only affects underdeveloped and developing countries (around 70% of the global poverty total live in these countries) but a huge number of children and adults live in some of the world’s richest countries such as here in the UK.

“Growing inequality is detrimental to economic growth and undermines social cohesion, increasing political and social tensions and, in some circumstances, driving instability and conflicts” – Sustainable development goals. As human beings, we should all have equal rights and opportunities to economic resources and education.

There has also been a huge increase in refugee poverty due to ongoing and new conflicts forcing people to flee their home countries, leaving their jobs, possessions and even family behind. We work with refugees in the UK to aid their integration and rebuild their lives, therefore this strand of poverty is high on our agenda to change.

How are we working towards this goal?

Getting refugees into median salary jobs

Our goal for over the next 10 years is to work with 25,000 refugees, and those from refugee backgrounds, to progress them not just into low skilled positions, but into median-salary roles. This is important as equipping people to only work at national minimum wage condemns them to a life of poverty in one of the richest countries in the world. We run training courses through Himilo that are dedicated to helping refugees build up their skills and knowledge of living and working in the UK to enable them to gain career-enhancing employment. Our work with employers has also made a significant impact and has allowed our learners to find secure employment with major companies such as Starbucks, Co-op and First West of England. We hope to continue and build these employer relationships to get more refugees progressing in work.

Our #rethinkingrefugee campaign has allowed us to shout about our message that hiring refugees makes economic sense due to increased staff retention, positive impacts of diversity and overcoming skills gaps.

Joining the #LiftTheBan coalition

Currently, asylum seekers are not permitted to work in the UK whilst their claims are being processed. This leaves them living on just £5.39 a day for anytime between six months and several years. The Lift the Ban coalition consists of many organisations, including ACH, and was launched in October 2018 to urge the UK Government to allow asylum seekers the right to work.

Denying asylum seekers access to the economic benefits of working condemns them to a life of poverty, as their skills quickly start to diminish. There is also a negative impact on integration, as education and employment are important factors in the integration process.

Overseas work

We not only work in the UK but have started working globally. One project we are working on is a partnership with Adeso and the Somali Stability Fund, which launched in November 2018. This innovative project aims to empower youth, facilitate entrepreneurship and accelerate active youth participation in the economy and stability in the Baidoa district of Somalia.

We want to address the high unemployment and poverty rates in Somalia by delivering training to enable trainers on the ground to run successful Job Clubs and Growth Hubs, to encourage the youth to gain skills and knowledge to build an economically stable and inclusive city.

What can you do?

· Take part in promoting our #rethinkingrefugee campaign and signing the #LiftTheBan coalition (more info here)

· Actively engage in policy that is aiming to address poverty

· If you are an employer, you can employ refugees through training courses with ACH – find out more here

· Read more about the SDGs and how you can have an input here