Survivors of torture who have experienced trauma have criticized the Government for disregarding crucial humanitarian laws in its contentious asylum overhaul.
Expressing their concerns in a strongly worded letter to Shabana Mahmood, they cautioned that mandating refugees to undergo assessments every 30 months to remain in the UK will have significant implications, especially for children. The Home Secretary contends that allowing refugees with protected status to settle in the UK after five years, as previously done, acts as an attraction for illegal migration.
Members of One Strong Voice, a group of individuals who have navigated the asylum process, stated: “This policy will impact individuals, including men, women, and children, who have already been acknowledged as requiring protection from torture and conflict. For many survivors, being granted protection status should signify the beginning of safety and healing.
“However, under these new regulations, survivors will need to confront their trauma every thirty months, leading to prolonged uncertainty and the possibility of returning to perilous situations.” They emphasized that as a signatory to the UN Convention Against Torture, the UK is obligated to ensure that survivors receive comprehensive rehabilitation. “This obligation cannot be met when individuals are subjected to recurring reviews and the constant fear of losing the necessary protection,” the letter emphasized.
The group highlighted that the Refugee Convention mandates countries to facilitate the integration of those escaping persecution. They continued in their letter: “Drawing from our own experiences, we understand that policies of this nature can exacerbate existing challenges, particularly for those already grappling with trauma and uncertainty. It is unjust to impose additional instability on individuals already recognized by the Government as requiring protection.
“Such measures run the risk of causing harm without addressing the root issues they aim to influence.”
The Home Secretary’s decision is part of a series of actions aimed at rectifying the UK’s flawed asylum system. In a significant address earlier this month, Ms Mahmood cautioned that failure to do so could pave the way for Nigel Farage introducing extreme anti-migrant policies.
The Government has also committed to establishing new legal pathways for asylum claims. A spokesperson from the Home Office stated: “We are restructuring our asylum system to bring order and control to the borders of Britain, which includes eliminating the incentives that attract illegal migrants to the country and increasing the deportations of individuals with no legal right to remain here.
“As part of these extensive reforms, we will introduce new, legal, and secure channels into the country to safeguard those in need.”
Emily Payne, Senior Care Coordinator at Freedom from Torture, stated: “Compassionate individuals across the UK believe that survivors of torture deserve refuge and the opportunity to reconstruct their lives without fear. Nevertheless, the alterations to refugee leave will only bring harm.
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