Refugee Action has just launched a report, Waiting in the dark: how the asylum system dehumanises, disempowers and damages, as part of their #StandUpForAsylum campaign. The report exposes the human impact of Home Office failures throughout the decision-making process. In particular, it highlights
- that more people than ever before are waiting longer than six months for a decision on their claim which is taking a tremendous toll on their wellbeing;
- bad practices, in particular around substantive interviews, and poor decision-making are putting lives at risk;
- and people are being kept in the dark by a lack of information and legal advice, with 71% of frontline organisations reporting that it is now more difficult to refer people to immigration solicitors than six years ago.
Refugee Action are encouraging partners to promote the findings to your networks, by sending them a link to their email action to MPs and promoting the report on social media using #StandUpForAsylum.
Here are some examples of tweets that City of Sanctuary groups might wish to use:
Ø @RefugeeAction exposes the human toll of a failing asylum system that is leaving people waiting years for a decision on their claim. It’s time to #StandUpForAsylum https://www.refugee-action.
Ø It’s terrifying when you don’t understand what’s going on. Poor interpreting, a lack of info & waiting months to get a decision on your claim can be an extremely stressful experience for people seeking asylum. We need reform now. #StandUpForAsylum https://www.refugee-action.
Ø People seeking asylum suffer from a desperate lack of legal advice. 71% of orgs @RefugeeAction surveyed said they find it more different to refer people to immigration solicitors than 6yrs ago, when #LegalAid reforms took hold. #StandUpForAsylum https://www.refugee-action.
Ø “I feel that I am dying gradually.” Read @HuffPostUK on new research by @RefueeAction that exposes the horror of being trapped in a failing asylum system. #StandUpForAsylum https://www.huffingtonpost.co.