The Muslim Council of Britain is concerned by the detrimental effects the new asylum and returns reforms announced by the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will have on refugees and asylum seekers. The reforms as highlighted by migration campaigners and some politicians undermine Britain’s role as a country that provides protection for those in real need. For many these reforms will make their refugee status a temporary privilege whilst they live in limbo, stripping away their right to family life and removing the duty of care to support people fleeing conflict.
“This is a clear step in the wrong direction as we witness the unravelling of the international human rights framework that Britain once helped build. Britain should offer refuge with dignity, not create reforms that punishes the most vulnerable people in our society. Having a robust and a humane asylum and migration policy should not be mutually exclusive. To make it such, is political not practical. We call on the government to review the implications of these reforms on the most vulnerable and uphold the principles of a fair and humane society. ”
– Wajid Akhter, Secretary General of MCB