Leeds Justice and Peace Commission

Is this Justice?

There has been much negative publicity and inaccurate reporting in the media about asylum seekers, which has led to a national frenzy and fear of being swamped by those seeking asylum. People who have fled persecution are often termed ‘bogus asylum seekers,’ ‘illegal immigrants’ or even worse – ‘terrorists.’

The real situation tells a different story, one that is hardly ever reported in the media. It is a story of the suffering and desperation of individuals and families who have fled their homes and countries because of war and persecution. They come to the UK in order to seek protection, but how they are treated when they arrive is another matter. The odds are stacked against those seeking asylum. If they receive a negative decision they are not allowed to work and become dependant on charity. They are terrified to return to their home countries, and so remain destitute in the UK. 
Most asylum seekers come from Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Eritrea and Zimbabwe - countries of insecurity and where human rights are routinely violated.The current system stacks the odds against asylum seekers. Chris McDowell, former Director of Information Centre about Asylum and Refugees says, “The asylum system has developed into a process that is more about controlling numbers than deciding who needs protection.”In 2008 the independent asylum commission reported, "The UK's treatment of asylum seekers falls seriously below the standards of a civilized society. We need an end to the policy of enforced destitution." An asylum seeker deported from the UK back to the Congo in 2002 describes her return: “We were beaten on a daily basis by soldiers.... They accused us of being traitors. I was raped by the guards on at least six occasions.” The Children's Commissioner for England visited child refugees who had been held in detention and reported the following: "They are not... being listened to or believed. No one has. .. told them what they are entitled to and what their rights are. No one has told them what is likely to happen to them.. ..Some were overcome with emotion when speaking to me."

For more information see:

Independent Asylum CommissionThe Refugee Council