Seeking Sanctuary expresses shock at plan to send refugees to Rwanda

Seeking Sanctuary alongside many other organisations has expressed shock at the Government's proposals to deport refugees arriving in the UK to Rwanda.

In a statement the charity says: "For people escaping the horrors of war and persecution the prospect of a new life in a country with a questionable human rights record is cruel to say the least. What confidence can we have in the Rwandan judicial system to ensure justice and fair treatment? It appears that Ukrainians and Afghans seeking sanctuary in crossing the Channel will be subject to summary deportation with no opportunity for appeal. We hope that these immoral proposals will be challenged through the Courts before they come to fruition."

Phil Kerton, from 'Seeking Sanctuary' commented: "We agree with JRS that it is particularly tragic that these proposals are being announced on Maundy Thursday when the Christian message of love and service to our brothers and sisters in humanity who are persecuted is clear. We call on members and leaders of Faith Communities to unite both locally and nationally to fight these evil proposals"

"Our response to the evils of human trafficking involves identifying and prosecuting those responsible. However, tougher border security and a less generous asylum system will be counter productive and risk driving more people into the hands of criminals. Alongside a strong response to organised crime, we should provide safe and legal routes to sanctuary, whilst also ensuring that victims are never criminalised."

The House of Lords' amendments to the Nationality and Borders Bill will be debated in the House of Commons soon, probably on 20 April. We encourage people to write to their MPs and ask them to remove or modify the clauses which seek to legalise this latest proposal for dehumanising seekers of sanctuary.

LINKS

Seeking Sanctuary website: https://seekingsanctuary.weebly.com/
Twitter: @SEEKINGSANCTUA3