JRS UK has just published an exciting new report, Being Human in the Asylum System. It draws on three and a half years of our research with refugees, and brings this into conversation with Catholic Social Thought to lay out core principles for a just and person-centred asylum system:
- a determination process with protection and transparency at its heart, in a culture where asylum claimants are seen and heard;
- borders open to those in need of protection;
- support for refugees and asylum claimants to live in dignity, and participate fully in wider social, economic, and political life;
- a society that echoes Pope Francis’ call by welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating those seeking sanctuary as our neighbours.
For years, we have accompanied and served people dehumanised, re-traumatised and denied protection by an asylum system that should be there to protect them. In previous work with Dr Anna Rowlands, refugees repeatedly called for a system that was for their welfare, not their harm. This report draws on their words and the stories they have shared with us to both critique the current system, and envisage a new one.
We have released our report in the wake of new government proposals for an overhaul of the asylum system. At JRS we have read about these proposed changes with great concern and disappointment. Some of the main aspects of these proposals include:
- plans to offer differing levels of protection to refugees depending on how they got here. This would deny refugees the chance of to settle in Britain and rebuild their lives because they had no choice but to travel informally, for example by crossing the channel– the only option and a last resort for many refugees.
- Plans to formalise and embed suspicion in the decision-making process, including a higher standard of proof when assessing a claimant’s credibility. This is against the backdrop of a well-established culture of disbelief that our friends at JRS are faced with perpetually.
- Plans to make routine use of ‘basic’ reception centres as asylum accommodation. These are likely to resemble the now notorious accommodation at Napier barracks.
- Plans to make it even harder to access support once refused asylum, thus increasing destitution.
These proposals are more concerned with finding ways to refuse people protection than in extending it where needed. They would extend limbo and poverty in the asylum system, and would foster an even more hostile environment for those who seek sanctuary on our shores. They deny basic realities in order to justify greater and greater barriers to a safe haven. They approach the asylum system from the perspective of border control. Instead, we need to start from the perspective of common humanity and human need.
What can you do?
There are many things you can do to help us advocate for a more just asylum system and raise your voice against the government’s proposed changes.
Invite JRS to speak at your school, parish or event
In our work advocating for the rights of those who have been forcibly displaced, we have met with many parishes, communities and Christian organisations to share the lived reality of those claiming asylum. We are always inspired by the ways in which people engage with our work, take action and the generosity they offer our refugee friends. We believe that by working together to promote understanding and offer hospitality, we can make things better for those seeking sanctuary.
If you are interested in finding out more about our work, and how you can help us work towards a more person-centred asylum system, we encourage you to invite JRS Outreach Officer Nick to speak to your community or parish.
Get in touch by emailing uk@jrs.net or calling us on 020 7488 7310
Write to your MP
We encourage everyone to engage with the forthcoming Immigration Bill as it passes through parliament.
Write to your MP, ask them to support a protection focused asylum system that values human dignity, and express your concerns about the government’s ‘New Plan for Immigration’. Refugee charity Asylum Welcome have published a handy guide on writing to your MP about this issue which you can download here
Build your understanding
You can find out more about the new plan for immigration in a brilliant summary published by Freedom From Torture here.
Our report Being Human in the Asylum System contains a list of recommendations for a just and person-centred asylum system. You can download and read our report on this page.
Donate to our work
By making a donation to JRS UK you can help us to continue our important advocacy work. This includes the release of future reports which call on those in power to listen to refugees and the forcibly displaced.
