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New report shows destitute asylum seekers forced to sleep on the streets
Destitute asylum seekers in Leicester are being forced to sleep on the streets or rely on charities and friends for shelter, according to a new report.
Leicester Refugee and Asylum Seekers Voluntary Sector Forum (LVSF) surveyed 135 destitute asylum seekers between February 11th and March 14th 2008, and found that almost half had been homeless for a year. Almost three-quarters did not have access to healthcare.
'Destitution in the asylum system in Leicester', which has been commissioned by the Leicester Forum and co-ordinated by the national charity Refugee Action, is being launched today (Monday June 2nd).
The forum is making a number of recommendations to local and national government policy-makers and the voluntary and community sector in Leicester to try to tackle this crisis.
Destitution in the asylum system in Leicester
REFUGEE ACTION LEICESTER HOLDS A PEOPLE’S COMMISSION OCT 17TH 2007
The Independent Asylum Commission has been asked to conduct an independent review of the UK asylum system, from beginning to end. They are doing this on behalf of a whole range of citizens - from those who believe that asylum seekers are not being treated with humanity, to those who believe our asylum system is too generous.
Once the review is complete – this should take 18 months - they will produce a report in 2008 making recommendations for reform that are fair as well as forceful, and realistic as well as humane.
Take part in the Leicester People's Commission
To do this the Commission is holding public hearings and a series of road shows. Additionally the Commissioners are encouraging local people and groups to gather information via a series of People’s Commissions.
The Leicester Voluntary forum recognises the value in holding a local People’s Commission and the British Red Cross hosted such an event in Leicester in August 2007. Refugee Action supported the gathering of information at this event and are now going one step further and hosting a Commission.
When and where:
Wednesday 17 October
10am to 4pm
Refugee Action’s Leicester office.
This will be an opportunity to have your say on the asylum system. Anyone can respond to the call for evidence and every submission will be read and acknowledged, but we would particularly like to hear from:
• asylum seekers and refugees
• those who have evidence of abuses of the asylum system
• any organisations working with and for refugees and asylum seekers
• civil servants implementing the asylum system
• those who have evidence of asylum seekers’ rights being breached
• citizens with a general interest in or concern about asylum
Evidence can be submitted in writing or via video testimony. Support will be available from Refugee Action staff to assist in this process and if necessary you can remain anonymous.
For more details or to make an appointment to give you evidence please call (0116) 261 6200