The Safety of Rwanda Act has now passed and the UK government is now beginning its cruel efforts to remove some of the most vulnerable people from our communities. Our thoughts are with the people who came here to seek safety who now live with a new terror. While our politicians want to push hostility like this because they think it will win them votes, we will continue to push back and offer up our vision of kindness and welcome.  

Below are a range of resources and organisations to help you understand what is happening, how you can support people who may be impacted by the new legislation, as well as sharing hopeful strategies to help shift the narrative and work to end hostility. 

The situation is fluid and can change rapidly, so we encourage you to regularly seek out new updates. 

Government Policy Documents

– The Home Office has published this guidance document here on 13 May with the latest information on who may be at risk of receiving a notice of intent: Removal+of+failed+Asylum+seekers+to+Rwanda.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Organisations working to support those directly affected by the policy:

These organisations are working closely to explain and educate about the policy as well as providing direct assistance and support to those who may be impacted. Follow them on social media, request their newsletter and watch their websites for further information. 

• Care 4 Calais:  Care4Calais had developed a dedicated Rwanda support team. Contact the organisation here: Contact Us // Care4Calais

• Joint Council on the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI). The team at JCWI have a dedicated hotline which can be accessed at 0207 553 7472 (Mon, Tues, Thurs, 10am – 1pm), [email protected]

• Right to Remain: The team at Right to Remain have put together a comprehensive set of useful webpages covering the Act, possible implications, how to help people facing detention. Check out their efforts here:  What we know about the Rwanda Act and Treaty so far – Right to Remain. They have also run very informative webinars on the implications of the new legislation. Consider signing up for their newsletter here to receive updates and find out about future webinars: Newsletter – Right to Remain

How to help those individuals who may be impacted:

• Share information about how to look for legal aid. It is very important that individuals seek help as soon as possible if they think they may be at risk for detention or removal to Rwanda. Options include:
  • JCWI:[email protected]
  • BID: [email protected] 
  • Wilsons LLP legal aid solicitors: [email protected]
  • Duncan Lewis solicitors: [email protected]
  • Rainbow Migration (for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum): [email protected]

• Signpost to mental health/well-being support services in your local area. 
• Offer a calm and listening presence if needed.

What you can do as a Individual/Community Group to fight the Rwanda Plan:

• City of Sanctuary UK resources. Look at our primer here on how to speak up for refugee rights, learn more about the reality of asylum here and review our Speak Up for Sanctuary workbook here for ideas on how communicate effectively about refugee rights. 
• Write your MP. Express your outrage at this law. Find out who your MP is here. 
• Sign the JCWI petition calling for repeal of the Rwanda Act: https://shorturl.at/sOVY4 
• Sign the ‘No Pride in Deportation’ petition on the specific dangers for LGBTQI+ people: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/652126
• Support people in detention: https://aviddetention.org.uk/visiting/visitors-groups
• Consider supporting people outside reporting centres, read these tips provided by  These Walls Must Fall: 

Background reading materials for staff and students to understand what all the recent legislation in the national and international context:

The following reports and briefing provide useful background information and context. 

• Refugee Council report – Cost, chaos and human misery – the impact of the Illegal Migration Act 2023 and the Rwanda Plan – Refugee Council
• Refugee Action update on what the plan means: Rwanda Bill: We Are No Longer A Safe Haven, Here’s What Everyone Needs To Know – Refugee Action (refugee-action.org.uk)
• UN Agencies statements on the legislation. UK-Rwanda asylum law: UN leaders warn of harmful consequences | OHCHR