For too long we’ve heard people in power scapegoat and demonise refugees, to use people like me who’ve fled torture, war and persecution to score cheap political points. We’ve heard over and over again how it’s because of refugees that public services are on their knees, that there aren’t any houses. But this just isn’t true.
As someone who came to this country as a refugee, I’ve been shocked to see how far the UK has moved away from protection and fairness. I’m so grateful for the sanctuary that has enabled me to rebuild my life, but I will not stop fighting to preserve that sanctuary for other people fleeing unimaginable horrors.
People who’ve come to the UK seeking a safe life need to heal, to feel safe and strong again. But today, survivors of torture and refugees face a very real risk that they won’t have the chance to rebuild their lives. Instead, they may be shipped off to other countries where they could face even more persecution.
It’s time for politicians to catch up with what people want – 80% of people in the UK want an asylum system that is well managed, fair and compassionate. The political debate surrounding refugees has turned toxic. And now we need those in power to draw a line in the sand and turn away from divisive and hateful policies.
And it’s important to remember that those seeking asylum make up such a tiny proportion of the people who come to the UK. As a country, we are more than able to offer a warm welcome to the men, women and children who reach our shores looking for safety. We must do our part on the global stage.
The UK should be leading the way when it comes to refugee protection, not inspiring other countries to ditch their responsibilities. In fact, we have a rich history of sheltering those in need. But recent policies make a mockery of the 1951 Refugee Convention and other obligations drawn up following the horrors of the Second World War. The UK must reaffirm its commitment to these vital protection treaties.
Recent hard-line legislation like the Nationality and Borders Act and the Illegal Migration Act have effectively tried to ban the right to asylum in the UK. These barriers need to be urgently removed, and replaced with a welcoming system that’s compassionate and isn’t discriminatory. This legislation must be repealed, and in its place, we need a system that’s flexible, dignified and humane. Instead of making things harder for people who’ve already suffered so much, we should be providing health and welfare support, particularly for vulnerable refugees like torture survivors.
The asylum backlog has been allowed to grow to an inexcusable level, and I know only too well the devastating harms that living in limbo can have on people. It’s essential that the Government clears the backlog so people can move forward and start to rebuild their lives. Committing resources to fast and fair decision-making will go some way to dealing with this, and in future will stop a new backlog developing.
Future governments need to recognise and empower those who have lived through these experiences to inform the debate and to find humane and compassionate solutions. By ensuring our voices are at the heart of UK national and international policy on refugee rights, it can be possible.
I’m not going to give up on my hopes that the UK can become a place of safety once again, where people can live in peace and be a part of a community. The lives and recovery of so many depend on it.
Side by side with survivors, organisations like Freedom from Torture are showing those in power what a place of welcome for refugees could really look like. Along with hundreds of thousands of caring people up and down the country, we’re not going to stop fighting until we have a compassionate system that treats people with dignity.