AGM calls for an end to destitution
Scottish Refugee Council is to use its AGM to highlight the plight of destitute asylum seekers and call on the UK Government to close the protection gap.
At its Annual General Meeting this Friday 13 January, speakers will urge the Government to better recognise those who desperately need protection, and grant more people asylum or considering temporary status for others.
Speakers will include Patricia, a refugee from Congo Brazzaville, who spent two years living in destitution and Christina McKelvie MSP, Convenor of the European and External Affairs Committee at the Scottish Parliament, who will outline her concerns about destitution and what can be done to offer to protect people.
Mike Kaye who co-ordinates the Still Human, Still Here destitution campaign collation of which Scottish Refugee Council is a member, will also update members on the campaign’s progress.
John Wilkes, Chief Executive of Scottish Refugee Council, said: “The experiences of someone like Patricia, forced to rely on the help of friends and churches in order to survive, are really not acceptable in Britain today.
“Destitution should not form part of a civilised asylum process. As a signatory to the Refugee Convention, the UK Government should ensure that people seeking protection are given a fair and just hearing and treated with dignity and respect throughout the process.
“Our Protection appeal, which aims to raise £20,000 by the end of this month, supports our work and you can still help us by donating, by text, or online.”
Ending destitution is one of our main goals in 2012. Key to this is better decision making on asylum cases and better use of protection measures such as Humanitarian Protection and Temporary Leave to Remain.
We are also calling for refused asylum seekers to continue to receive financial support and accommodation as provided during the asylum process until such a time as they have left the UK or have been granted leave to remain.
Our Protection Appeal supports our work to end destitution. Find out how to make a donation.
