You can read the joint statement coordinated by Just Right Scotland and the Scottish Refugee Council in full: JRS SRC Joint statement – Scotland against the Refugee Ban Bill. The statement urges the UK Government to scrap its Illegal Migration Bill which effectively bans the right to claim asylum in the UK and instead open safe routes to refugee protection for people fleeing war and persecution.
If the bill is passed, it will remove the right of people to claim asylum in the UK almost entirely, no matter how great their need for refugee protection. The bill would result in tens of thousands, including vulnerable people and children, being kept in mass detention and at risk of serious harm. It will close the door on survivors of trafficking and people fleeing war, torture and persecution.
Agencies working closely with refugees, including those we fund and work with, predict that this will push thousands of people seeking protection to the margins, putting them at risk of destitution and exploitation. Those detained will be criminalised and left in limbo with no control over their circumstances, at risk of further severe stress and enduring trauma.
We would encourage individuals, organisations and funders across Scotland:
- To publicly reject the ‘Refugee Ban Bill’, in its entirety, and ask others to do the same;
- To write to your MSP and your MP asking them to oppose the Bill in Parliament.
- Join Together With Refugees and help campaign for a compassionate asylum alternative for anyone who needs it.
Our Chief Executive, Jim McCormick, said:
“At The Robertson Trust, cutting across our work is a determination to build our know-how on issues of power and justice. We have committed to a whole organisation approach to active learning on Anti-Racism and Allyship, to becoming Trauma-informed and responsive, and to advancing Participation. Our EDPR team - the Trust’s cross-team working group to advance Equity, Diversity, Participation and Rights - is currently exploring how we can best use our resources to improve the lives of minoritised communities in Scotland and address racial justice.
These actions help us understand our mission as one of advancing justice rather than extending charity: while charities are very often the best partners for us to get alongside, it is our joint commitment to lasting social change rather than only mitigating disadvantage that will drive our work.”
If your organisation would like to sign this statement or take part in the campaign, please see Just Right Scotland’s website or email jrfa@justrightscotland.org.uk.