IFIR is deeply concerned by the new legislation introduced by the UK Government.

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This right-wing conservative government has just published a new migration bill.  They intend to stop people coming by boat to seek asylum in Britain. The vast majority of refugees have no way to legally reach the UK to claim asylum, regardless of how strong their need for protection is. 

The legislation, if passed, would amount to an asylum ban – ending the right to seek refugee protection in the United Kingdom for those who arrive irregularly.  This would be a clear breach of the Refugee Convention.

The Bill is terrifying for everyone, not just refugees, since it establishes a precedent that the government can choose to disregard human rights and almost completely avoid legal repercussions because the Bill is written to elevate the government above the law.

This bill will not stop people. people will find even more dangerous routes to cross. When people are fleeing, there’s nothing in this world that can stop them.

We call on trade unions, human rights organisation and freedom loving people to write to their MP in order to put pressure on the conservative government to stop demonising refugees and immigrants and creating a hostile environment.

International Federation of Iraqi Refugees-IFIR
17 March 2023