Breaking the Chains Evaluation Report 2023/24
We are excited to release our Breaking the Chains project evaluation report for the year 2023/24.
The Breaking the Chains Evaluation Report 2023/24 offers detailed analysis of a ground-breaking project designed to improve the legal and social outcomes of young Albanian-speaking asylum seekers in the UK. In partnership with the Migrant and Refugee Children’s Legal Unit (MiCLU) based at Islington Law Centre, and Shpresa Programme, the project puts young asylum seekers at the centre, empowering them to become advocates for their own rights and share learning from peer to peer.
The evaluation was carried out by young participants who trained as Research Champions. Created in conjunction with Dr Rachel Alsop, Senior Lecturer at the University of York, this report highlights their lived experiences and how the project has shaped their lives—both in terms of securing asylum and rebuilding a sense of community and self-worth.
The report is essential for understanding the unique challenges faced by Albanian youth in the asylum process, particularly against a backdrop of increased governmental hostility and anti-immigrant and racist rhetoric. Through this evaluation, the voices of young people are amplified, offering valuable insights for policymakers, advocates, and legal professionals alike.
As an exemplary model of youth-centered advocacy, the Breaking the Chains project not only provides life-saving legal representation but also fosters resilience, hope, and community among some of the most vulnerable populations in the UK.
This report is crucial reading for anyone invested in refugee rights, youth advocacy, or asylum policy, demonstrating how grassroots initiatives can drive meaningful change.
With tremendous thanks to our funders: the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Reaching Communities and AB Charitable Trust; and to Dr Rachel Alsop, and the staff of Breaking the Chains, and most especially the 11 Research Champions who were the driving force behind this report.
To read the report, click below: