London, United Kingdom, July 2, 2026 — Denisa Delić, Advocacy Director at the International Rescue Committee UK, said,
"We welcome the Government's announcement of three new safe routes for refugees to come to the UK - including named sponsorship and a refugee study route.
The IRC trains and supports people to deliver community sponsorship, and we see firsthand the value it brings to refugees rebuilding their lives and in strengthening ties between neighbours and newcomers. Our experience also means we also know for this to be effective, there needs to be a well-resourced framework to provide training and ongoing support to sponsors.
Community sponsorship must also sit within a bolder, more ambitious vision for safe routes as a whole. We remain concerned about the continued suspension of refugee family reunion, and about falling numbers on the UK Resettlement Scheme - both vital safe routes that should not be neglected. Refugees will choose safe and managed routes when available and accessible over dangerous journeys.
Expanding safe routes must go hand in hand with protecting the right to seek asylum.”