Background

The need for MRN was identified through the discussions and research undertaken by the Barrow Cadbury Trust funded project entitled 'Migrant Community Organisations in the UK (MCOP)'. Over a period of nine months from 2005-2006 the project explored the possibility for closer collaboration between different groups working in the field of migration. Addressing the central issue of the involvement of migrant community organisations in the UK in the wider debate about the future of immigration policy, this phase of the project involved discussion with groups in three UK regions (Scotland, the North West of England and the West Midlands). These discussions focused on the work currently being done by groups, what they felt they were doing well and less well, and the types of work they wished to do in the future. The project laid bare the need to establish a proper network among groups to enable them to overcome their isolation, to share information and to increase their capacity to effectively influence national policy on issues affecting them.

The outcome of the MCOP's work was set out in the report, Migrant Voices, Migrant Rights, published by the Barrow Cadbury Trust. Its recommendations led onto a second phase of work which involved establishing a permanent network of organisations working to support the development of migrants' rights across the UK. This network could be used to develop strategies which would increase the involvement of 'migrant voices' in national policy debates, and enhance cooperation across a wide range of civil society organisations to achieve this end.

An independent steering group was established for MRN and a Director confirmed in post in July 2006. MRN was launched at a public conference which took place in London in November 2006.

If you are interested in finding out more about where MRN come from, please have a look at the key publication from the MCOP, entitled 'Migrant Voices, Migrant Rights'.