Why we work together

We are committed to including the voices of refugee and asylum-seeker communities in all decision-making. The mission of the Community Advisory Board is to amplify these voices and ensure all perspectives are consulted and heard. 

Our members

Our 2024-25 Board is made up of a diverse group of 12 volunteers with a wide range of backgrounds and experience. 

  • Places of origin include Sudan, Syria, Burundi, Yemen, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Hong Kong.
  • Backgrounds include Business Management, International Development, Theology, Architecture, Law, IT, Criminology, and Political Science.
  • Experience in Fashion, Marketing, Journalism, Architecture and Design.
  • Languages spoken include : Arabic, English, French, Kirundi, Pashto, Dari, Ukrainian, Russian, Hindi, and Turkish 

Our current members

Ayman Abdallah, Badriah Haidar, Hanna Talalaieva, Jawid Jafari, Marah Saad Aldin, Marharyta Bondarenko, Maryam Khurram, Masoma Mansori, Mir Abdullah Miri, Paisible Ndacayisaba, Rabab Alawadhi, Yun Fung.

Our goals

The CAB works closely with IRC UK teams to achieve three main objectives

  • For the UK’s diverse refugee and asylum seeker population to have a representative platform within IRC UK where their voices can be effectively consulted and heard.
  • For IRC UK’s clients to have a representative platform within IRC UK where they can engage as equal, influential partners.
  • To amplify the voices of IRC UK clients in programming decisions, specifically guiding overarching programme strategy, identifying areas of need, inputting to programme design, delivery and routine matters throughout the project cycle, and ensuring activities are properly tailored to needs and preferences 

Key information  

Download the CAB Terms of Reference to understand the background, objectives, activities and outcomes of the CAB.

Get in touch: To contact the CAB team, please email Wali Ahmadzai (Senior Integration Officer). Wali.Ahmadzai@rescue.org

What is the IRC?

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people affected by humanitarian crises to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. Our work spans more than 40 crisis-affected countries, and we provide resettlement, asylum, and integration services in the United Kingdom. Learn more about our work in the UK. 

Support our work

Please donate to the IRC UK today to support refugees rebuilding their lives in the UK  

The IRC's impact in the UK

45%

of clients receiving employment support from the IRC have reached an employment goal of receiving a job offer, being promoted, starting a volunteer placement or enrolling on a vocational training course.

The IRC provides Job Readiness Training to refugees who are keen to start their careers in the UK. The course covers every aspect of employment in the UK, from how to write a CV and cover letter to interview techniques.

More about our employment support

2,600+

Educators reached since our Healing Classrooms programme launched in May 2022.

The Healing Classrooms programme offers free training to educators on how to offer children a safe and predictable place to learn and cope with the consequences of conflict and displacement.

Learn more about Healing Classrooms

1,522

refugees and asylum seekers received employability, English language, integration and/or wellbeing support in 2024.

Our UK programmes help people fleeing from war, violence and persecution in countries like Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Sudan and Iraq.