You can help protect the right to asylum

Asylum is under threat in the UK

The UK government’s latest anti-refugee bill is an attack on the right to claim asylum. The government plans to detain thousands of people and is trying to remove fundamental legal protections. 

At a time when asylum hotels are being attacked, the government’s language is fanning the flames. 

We see the very real impact these policies have on people seeking asylum, creating fear and confusion and denying them their most basic rights. 

It’s no wonder that the policy is being praised by the far right in Germany and France.

Fortress Europe 

Meanwhile, while people all over the world offered help and support to victims of the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, Greece’s migration minister had a different reaction. He wants to create “enhanced protection for Europe’s frontiers” as a response to the tragedy.

This can only mean more illegal pushbacks and border violence, as seen in Amir’s story below. 

At RLS, we work with the very people that these policies are there to attack. We:

• Help people through the few safe and legal routes available to the UK. We provide support for family reunification and for people fleeing Afghanistan 

• Provide legal information to people in northern France

• Provide vital legal support to help people to claim asylum in Greece 

There’s often nobody else providing this support. Without our help, people would be left to fight alone. 

Your donation can ensure we can continue to fight alongside people seeking safety. 

Amir’s story

Amir had no choice but to flee his home in Afghanistan. He’s gay and was living in constant fear of persecution - including from members of his own family. 

Amir made it to Greece, where he seemed to be making progress. He’d lodged his asylum claim and had a valid asylum card. 

However, he was picked up in Athens and violently and illegally returned to Turkey. The borders of fortress Europe don’t stop at its frontiers. 

In Istanbul, Amir once again had to confront his family. They found him and he was chased through the streets.

He got away, but he was forced to go into hiding for months.

Back to Greece

Once again, Amir had little choice but to escape to Greece. Amir showed enormous courage and resilience, again making the hazardous journey. On Lesvos they recognised that he was already in the asylum system. 

But this didn’t make things easier.

He was taken to Athens, where he faced an interview with no legal support or representation. Without any legal support, it was found that it was safe to return him to Turkey. 

RLS steps in

Our colleague Artemis took on his case. She reported his illegal and forced return to Turkey and started to provide legal support.  Artemis was able to submit an appeal and represent Amir through the process. Which is why proper legal support is so important.

Amir was finally recognised as a refugee. He can finally start to move on, free from fear of persecution because of his sexuality.

How you can help people like Amir

You can help people facing hostile systems and violence in the UK, Greece and Northern France. 

Just £30 can be enough to answer a call from someone who needs us. Will you help?

Image: a British Border Force ship in Lesvos, Greece. @bookerphotos