Stop the Destitution of Asylum Seekers
CDAS | 12.12.2002 12:58
Soup Kitchen Protest - Outside the Home Office
Wednesday 8 January 2003
4.30-6.30pm
Home Office
50 Queen Anne's Gate
London
Nearest tube: St James' Park
Wednesday 8 January 2003
4.30-6.30pm
Home Office
50 Queen Anne's Gate
London
Nearest tube: St James' Park
Sections *55 and *57 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act, come into force on January 8th 2003.
On January 8th, the government is set to throw thousands of asylum seekers into complete destitution. Under rules contained in the 2002 Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act, asylum seekers who have not claimed asylum as soon as they arrive in the country will forfeit all rights to assistance from the National Asylum Support Service. Since they will also not be allowed to work, they will be without any form of income or support. Normally around 60% of asylum seekers file their claims a few days after their arrival in this country. Often they do not know procedures, or they fear what might happen to them if they report to immigration officials at ports and airports.
We are told these draconian measures along with a host of others contained in the Act will discourage people from claiming asylum in Britain. The truth is people fleeing from persecution are not motivated by the system of support they will find in the countries they seek to reach. Seeking asylum is a basic human right that government policy is denying.
Britain needs to uphold its commitment to the UN Convention on Refugees and provide a safe haven to those risking their lives in the pursuit of it. This means enabling asylum seekers to pursue their claims with appropriate levels of support and not forcing them into utter destitution.
We are calling on all those opposed to such measures to join us in our protest at the Home Office on the day this measure is being implemented.
Organised by: Asylum Rights Campaign, Barbed Wire Britain, Committee to Defend Asylum Seekers, National Assembly Against Racism.
Enquiries/further information contact:
National Assembly Against Racism 0207 247 9907
email:
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Committee to Defend Asylum Seekers 07941 566 183
email:
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CDAS
Homepage:
http://www.defend-asylum.org
Comments
Hide the following 2 comments
More info on refugees
12.12.2002 13:42
michael c
e-mail:
revolting_reality@yahoo.co.uk
National Immigration & Asylum Bill
14.12.2002 20:14
What about the endless numbers of 'refugees' who only seek asylum after they are encountered, having been found to have been living in the UK for years?
Hmm, I think after a few years in this country, someone fleeing persecution would realise they should've/could've claimed political asylum as soon as, or soon after they arrived in the country.
And what about the 'holiday-making' asylum seekers?
Those ones who arrive at the airport/seaport stating they are simply coming to visit relatives for a holiday, but claim asylum after being refused entry as a means to reside here...?
Ok, some will not know the the procedures when arriving in the UK for their first time, agreed - but many will then claim asylum after having previously stated that they are categorically NOT fleeing persecution of any kind!!
Why should people like THAT be given support by NASS?
Bill Odyssey