We are disconsolate to hear about the passage of the Government’s Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill through Parliament early yesterday morning. Once it receives Royal Assent, this piece of legislation will mean that anyone who is seeking asylum and arrives in the UK through irregular means will be at risk of being sent to Rwanda, including survivors of trafficking, exploitation, and torture. 

 

Many of those we support have fled unimaginable circumstances, and we believe that everyone has the right to live a life free of fear, harm, violence and discrimination. The tragic deaths of five people in the English Channel yesterday show the desperation of those who are seeking protection in this country and the danger they face to find it. 

 

We encourage everyone to reflect on the fear and helplessness that drives people to take such journeys and to call on the compassion of your friends, communities and representatives to create a society that welcomes and protects people who desperately need our help. We urge the Government to create safe routes that will allow those in need of sanctuary to live a life not only free from fear and harm but a life of dignity.