November 7th 2024.
A new report has shed light on the harsh realities faced by women seeking asylum in the UK. According to the report, released by Rape Crisis England & Wales and Imkaan, these women are not only dealing with the trauma of fleeing their home countries due to rape and sexual violence, but are also being re-traumatized by the UK asylum system.
The report, which includes personal accounts from survivors, highlights the fact that instead of providing a safe haven for these vulnerable women, the system actually puts them at even greater risk of sexual violence, abuse, and exploitation. Azadeh, a specialist supporter worker with firsthand experience of living in UK asylum accommodations, shared that it is simply not safe for these women. They are forced to remain silent for fear of jeopardizing their application process and living in constant fear.
The report also sheds light on the experiences of these women before, during, and after their attempt to seek safety in the UK. Rather than rehabilitating these survivors, the system exacerbates their trauma through poor physical conditions, mixed-sex settings, lack of support, and the scrutiny they face throughout the asylum process. These findings have been brought to the attention of the Home Office.
Claire, a specialist frontline worker supporting women seeking asylum, shared her firsthand experience of how intimidating it is for these women to live in asylum accommodations. She highlighted the fact that many of these women have already experienced gender-based or sexual violence in their home countries and the living environment in the UK does not protect or support them, making them feel even more unsafe.
According to the report, specialist voluntary organizations have been a lifeline for these women amidst a hostile immigration environment, safeguarding failures, and often uninhabitable asylum accommodations. The report also includes specific recommendations to the government, including providing appropriate and safe accommodations, staff vetting and training, robust complaints and misconduct procedures, and abolishing the 'no recourse to public funds' policy.
Ghadah Alnasseri, Interim Co-Executive Director at Imkaan, emphasized the urgent need for reform to prioritize the safety, dignity, and well-being of asylum-seeking women. She called for safe housing, comprehensive and specialist support services, and accountability measures. The report also recommends an independent review of Home Office contracts with accommodation providers and the establishment of a new inspectorate to ensure accountability for non-standard accommodations.
Ciara Bergman, Chief Executive Officer at Rape Crisis England & Wales, stressed the importance of treating every woman seeking asylum with dignity and respect. She also called for immediate and substantial changes to address the crisis and prevent further abuse and re-traumatization of these vulnerable women and children.
The report's findings and recommendations highlight the urgent need for reform in the UK asylum system to ensure the safety and well-being of these women seeking refuge. It is time for the Home Office to acknowledge this crisis and work together with organizations and survivors to implement necessary changes and provide the support, justice, and protection that these women deserve.
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