Our Mission

At GARAS (Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers) we offer support to those seeking asylum in Gloucestershire, welcoming them when they arrive, advocating for them in their daily struggles, supporting them if they face being sent back as well as helping them adjust to their long term future if they are recognised as refugees.

Contact Information

Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (GARAS)
The Trust Centre
Falkner St
Gloucester
GL1 4SQ

Telephone: 01452 550528
General enquiries: info@garas.org.uk
Administrative enquiries: admin@garas.org.uk
www.garas.org.uk

Director
Adele Owen

Today is a significant day.

August 3, 2021

Seventy Years ago today the UK signed the Geneva Convention on the Rights of Refugees. In the aftermath of World War II, wanting to build a better world the Convention was written and the UK was one of the first signatories.

Over the years this has saved countless lives and here in Gloucestershire we have worked with so many people who have benefited because they have had their cases examined against the Convention and found to be in need of sanctuary.

Since GARAS started 22 years ago we have supported those seeking refuge from many different parts of the world, from Algeria to Zimbabwe – fleeing war and escaping from human right violations.

It is therefore a huge challenge to see this being undermined by the current legislation going through Parliament. The right to claim asylum is written into the Convention, but that is under threat. The right to be reunited with family is in the Convention, but that is being attacked.

So let us celebrate what has been achieved and work together to protect for those still needing to come. After all we never know – one day we might need to rely on the same Convention!

Adele