Jesuit Refugee Service UK responds to Home Secretary's asylum announcement

Source: JRS UK

Responding to plans set out by the Home Secretary on 17 November, JRS UK Director David Ryall said:

"Today's announcement by the Home Secretary marks an unprecedented and damaging departure from the UK's long tradition of offering people sanctuary and the chance to rebuild their lives.

These policies will inflict profound harm - not only on those accompanied by the Jesuit Refugee Service UK, but on all who seek safety here.

Pope Leo calls us to welcome, protect, promote, and integrate refugees. The Government's decision does the opposite: it curtails welcome, undermines protection, and blocks integration. In so doing, it diminishes our common humanity and makes our society poorer.

As we approach Christmas and recall the Holy Family's own flight as refugees, we reaffirm our commitment to stand alongside others in opposing these policies and working for an asylum system that is humane, just, and rooted in solidarity with women, men, and children forced to flee their homes."

The Jesuit Refugee Service works in over 50 countries with a mission to serve, accompany and advocate for the rights of refugees and other forcibly displaced people. JRS UK has a special ministry to people made destitute by the asylum system and people held in immigration detention.

LINKS

www.gov.uk/government/publications/asylum-and-returns-policy-statement

www.jrsuk.net/

https://jrs.net/en/home/