Over the last 6 years, RefuAid have been working to support refugees and asylum seekers in the UK with access to English language, higher education, finance and employment. Our focus has always been on equal access, as we firmly believe that all those fleeing war and persecution deserve fair and equal treatment and opportunity, regardless of where they have come from or how they have arrived in the UK.
The announcement of the UK’s Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme has therefore left us feeling conflicted; whilst it’s incredible to see how quickly a response has been put together to offer sanctuary to those fleeing, we have been extremely disheartened by it’s numerous limitations. So far, the details that have been announced are incredibly ambiguous and have raised significant concerns about safety, which are echoed across the charity sector.
Whilst it is absolutely critical for the UK to provide safe routes to sanctuary for those fleeing the atrocities in Ukraine, the current offering falls far short of international standards and the conservation of human rights. By enforcing visa applications on those who are now displaced, our government are actively undermining the 1951 Refugee Convention – which explicitly specifies that refugees do not require such documentation in order to claim asylum. This process also risks leaving behind the thousands of families and individuals who are currently in the process of claiming asylum, who are undoubtedly disheartened by the fact that they have not received such an outpouring of support and have in fact been excluded from even the most basic of services.
In addition to this, the Homes for Ukraine scheme comes with huge concerns around safeguarding and protecting families who are in incredibly vulnerable situations. The government have announced that those offering to host “may be subject to safeguarding checks” but have not elaborated on what this would involve or who would be accountable for conducting these checks. In fact, they have suggested that the government will not maintain responsibility. This is hugely concerning and we have previously seen first-hand the detrimental impact of exploitative and unstable accommodation on the people we have worked with.
As a sector, we have received minimal guidance or consultation on the proposed plans - despite being told that we are likely to be responsible for the majority of the work. Understandably this has left most organisations feeling dispirited and at risk of being completely overwhelmed. Despite this, the resolution and dedication of the individuals we work with across the sector is inspiring and we remain determined to continue helping as many people as possible.
We are, however, hoping that the current situation may represent a pivotal moment in the conversation about the UK’s role in supporting displaced people, which is needed now more than ever. As the Nationality and Borders Bill makes its way through parliament and looks to criminalise asylum seekers and restrict refugee entitlements, we are urgently calling for this to be scrapped and for a united approach that treats everyone with the respect, equality and dignity they deserve.
The current outpouring of support from communities across the UK is phenomenal and should absolutely be utilised, but we urgently need this to be extended to all nationalities and all individuals seeking asylum. Compassion cannot be selective; if we are truly going to “lead the way” in supporting those who have been displaced by conflict, this needs to apply to everyone.
#WeAreOne