The UK Government has confirmed that 20,000 refugees from Syria will be resettled in the country, with LGBT people included in the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme.

Prime Minister David Cameron announced in September that the UK will resettle 20,000 Syrian refugees over the next five years. Yesterday Lord Bates, a Home Office Minister, has now confirmed that LGBT refugees will be included in the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme.

He wrote in response to questions from Lord Scriven in Parliament, “The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ (UNHCR’s) vulnerability criteria for identifying refugees under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme include persons at risk due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, and LGBTI refugees are identified through their normal screening procedures.”

He continued, “Survivors of violence and/or torture; refugees with legal and/or physical protection needs; refugees with medical needs or disabilities; children and adolescents at risk; persons at risk due to their sexual orientation or gender identity; and refugees with family links in resettlement countries.”

The UK Lesbian and Gay Immigration Group have welcome the announcement after months of campaigning.

“UKLGIG has been calling on the UK Government to commit to resettling and protecting LGBTI refugees from Syria for some months. Resettlement is often the only durable solution to guarantee the safety of LGBTI people due to the grave dangers many experience in refugee camps and places of displacement,” read a statement from the group.

While the announcement has been welcomed, the group stresses that there is still work to be done and protection measures to be taken once LGBT refugees are resettled.

“LGBTI refugees who are resettled in the UK are likely to be traumatised and isolated, many will have been rejected by their families and communities. It is essential that provision is made for their specific needs.

“UKLGIG is committed to working with the Government to ensure this scheme provides real protection for LGBTI refugees.”