I’m writing to ask you to oppose the Nationality and Borders Bill.
I am upset and horrified at this Bill which will to make it even more difficult for people who are fleeing for their lives to get safety and protection in the UK.
[SAY SOMETHING HERE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHY YOU OPPOSE THIS DRACONIAN BILL]
The Home Secretary has claimed that it is needed to ensure that women and children aren’t disadvantaged but the truth is that it will make it harder for everyone to pursue their right to claim asylum.
I am particularly concerned that people trying to come to the UK who are fleeing rape and other torture, war and armed conflicts, will not be entitled to full protections under the Refugee Convention.
Fast-tracking applications and preventing people from being able to gather evidence of the harm to them if returned to their home country means lives will be lost. Over 70% of women claiming asylum have fled rape and the resulting trauma and discrimination makes it hard for women to speak about what they have suffered. This could be used to deny them the right to make a claim. People will be deported back to persecution and even death without having had a fair hearing.
Also, forcing asylum seekers into destitution because of the No Recourse to Public Funds policy and because asylum support payments are too little to live on is divisive and dangerous to our society. It promotes the myth that asylum seekers are bogus and their lives are worthless which encourages racism and other extremism.
For more information, please see a statement from Global Women Against Deportations, a coalition which includes a group of women asylum seekers and refugees who have first-hand experience of applying for protection and safety in the UK.
I would appreciate knowing your view on these issues and very much hope that you will represent my concerns and oppose the Nationality and Borders Bill.
refugefromrapeanddestitution.blog 