Main theme
Non-discrimination and protection
Other relevant themes
Participation and decision-making
Actors involved
Memberships include the Nordic Baltic Network of Organisations Working with Refugees with Disabilities and the UNHCR Global Network of Disabilities. They are partners with the UNHCR in Nordic States and the UNHCR Headquarters.
Aims
The aim is to empower newcomers with disabilities in Sweden and increase awareness of the conditions for asylum seekers and refugees with disabilities.
Description
Newcomers with disabilities in Sweden was founded originally to break isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic through online meetings, which developed into face-to-face meetings post-pandemic. The organisation runs a peer support group which includes newcomers with disabilities, where peers share their experiences to help others. The in-person meetings run every second week in Stockholm with approximately 15-20 participants per meeting. They are informal meetings where members get to know each other, support each other and develop social relationships and a community. The organisation has a youth department and is currently planning to develop a youth network in Sweden for those who are undocumented.
Additionally, they represent newcomers from Sweden with disabilities internationally. Their work has been included within the Nordic Baltic Network of Organisations Working with Refugees with Disabilities, where they share and compare integration experiences and good practices. They have also participated in UNHCR’s Global Refugee Forum in Geneva with two refugee representatives.
Results/ Outcomes
They have approximately 20 people attending their group meetings regularly. Newcomers with Disabilities in Sweden have been instrumental in supporting and advising the development of a UNHCR Global Network of Disabilities. In this network, newcomers act as a secretariat.
Links to further information