Destitution is not a policy

Sandy Buchan, Chief Executive of Refugee Action and longstanding SiC supporter, on a new report by the Asylum Support Partnership which offers yet more upsetting news on how government policies are failing to protect those who are in most need of sanctuary.

"What makes the current policy so ineffective is that the government is treating all refused asylum seekers the same, so instead of coming up with different solutions for different people in different circumstances, everyone is being told to sign to return home or to lose support and leave their homes. Many are choosing the latter option.

Today's Destitution Tally by the Asylum Support Partnership (ASP), to which Refugee Action has contributed, focuses on solutions that will help the government to reform this woefully inadequate system. This includes giving temporary leave to those from very dangerous countries, and supporting others to take steps to return home rather than throwing them onto the streets and cutting off all contact."

Making people destitute is not helping reduce immigration levels while forcing people deeper into vulnerable situations.

Each individual has a story. To fail to hear the story of why they came -- which is almost never in search of benefits -- is to fail to recognise their humanity.

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