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Refugee campaigners are calling on the government to do more to help refugees settle into the UK after new research revealed that many Bosnian refugees found living here traumatic.

Nottingham Trent University psychologist Dr Nigel Hunt compared the experiences of 69 Bosnian refugees who came to the UK with those of 121 Bosnians who remained in their own country during and after war tore the country apart in the 1990s.

The research finds that refugees have a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder. About half of those surveyed said their standard of living in the UK was lower than in pre-war Bosnia.

The report says: "Refugees experience more difficulties than internally displaced people. They have to deal with an alien culture, a new language, and possible hostility from the indigenous population."

A Refugee Action spokesperson said the government must "listen and learn" from refugees' experiences and design policy accordingly.

"The findings underline the fact that very often refugees have particular needs that must not be overlooked. This is especially important as the government undertakes its root and branch change of current asylum services," he said.

The Refugee Council said more assistance and support was needed to help refugees successfully integrate into UK communities.


"The government needs to develop a strategy, involving local authorities, the voluntary sector, and health and education providers, to help these people make the most of their lives in the UK," a spokesperson said.

Dr Hunt echoed these calls for support, stressing the importance of the host country providing assistance "not just in terms of treatment of psychological disorder but also in providing an appropriate welcome, help with learning the language and help with adapting to the new culture".

Comparing Refugees and Non-refugees: The Bosnian Experience from Nigel.hunt@ntu.ac.uk