IFIR-Eng The International Federation of Iraqi Refugees
22July2023 IFIR press release
The United Kingdom’s decision in Parliament last week to enact a new law granting authorities the power to deport individuals arriving on its shores by boat has raised profound concerns among human rights advocates, civil society organizations, and freedom loving people alike. This regressive and punitive measure not only violates the principles of compassion and international law but also jeopardizes the safety and dignity of vulnerable individuals seeking refuge and protection.
Signed off by King Charles, the new immigration bill which has been brought into enable the UK Government to forcibly remove asylum seekers arriving via unauthorized small boats, stands in stark contradiction to the UK’s long-standing commitment to upholding human rights and providing sanctuary to those fleeing persecution and violence. The following key points highlight the alarming ramifications of this decision:
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Violation of International Law: The United Kingdom is a signatory to various international treaties, including the Refugee Convention and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which unequivocally assert the right to seek asylum from persecution. By adopting this law, the UK risks violating its obligations under international law and undermining its reputation as a champion of human rights.
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Failure to Assess Individual Circumstances: The new policy disregards the unique circumstances of each asylum seeker, denying them access to a fair and thorough asylum process. This approach neglects the reasons compelling individuals to undertake perilous journeys in search of safety and protection.
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Risk to Safety and Human Lives: Forced returns of asylum seekers without proper assessment expose them to potential harm, including the risk of persecution, torture, and even death in their home countries. It is crucial to ensure that decisions regarding deportations are made with utmost care and consideration of the individuals’ well-being.
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Erosion of Global Cooperation: The UK’s adoption of such a punitive immigration approach could strain diplomatic relations and cooperation with other countries, impacting broader efforts to address the global refugee crisis effectively.
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Impact on Asylum System: The implementation of this law may overwhelm the already burdened asylum system, leading to further delays and inefficiencies in processing genuine refugee claims.
As advocates for human rights and social justice, we strongly urge the UK government to reconsider and repeal this ill-advised law.
Dashty Jamal Secretary of IFIR said “ we implore the authorities to prioritize humane, dignified, and legal avenues for individuals seeking asylum, ensuring fair and impartial assessments of their claims. These refugees come from war-torn countries such as Iraq, Iran and Syria to escape the immense suffering and poverty they have experienced and live a life where they are free to be citizens of a country without fears that they can die at any moment. This barbaric immigration policy not only puts refugees’ lives at risk but also restricts their right to a better life.
International federation of Iraqi refugees-FIR call upon all refugee, human rights organisations, trade unions and freedom loving people to work collaboratively to develop comprehensive and compassionate solutions to address the challenges posed by irregular migration and asylum-seeking.
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