Our response to changes to refugee protections
Last week, the Home Secretary announced that the current system of refugee protection is to be replaced. This will have a huge, negative impact on the women we support.
The changes mean that refugee status will now become temporary, and that someone’s asylum status will be reviewed every 30 months. We are opposed to these hostile changes, which we feel are an attack on people seeking sanctuary from highly unsafe, traumatic situations, including war, gender violence and political persecution.
The women in our network just want to settle down. To work, study and feel part of a community. To live their lives, not be kept in a permanent limbo. They deserve sanctuary and the support to recover and heal from the traumas they have already suffered. Instead, these cruel changes put our women in a permanent state of uncertainty and unrest. This only adds to the high levels of fear, stress and anxiety in their daily lives, and prevents them from becoming part of society.
It’s ironic that these changes came in the same week that we celebrated International Women’s Day – a time for lifting up women all around the world, not plunging them into worry and despair.
A few words from the women of WAST
Responding to the changes:
“I want to live without stress please. Stop destroying my mind.”“This International Women’s Day I wish for freedom.”
And words of solidarity for each other:
“Continue being strong and resilient.”
“You are not alone.”
Where to find more info
We urge our members to read the information and advice given by Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit: https://gmiau.org/information-todays-asylum-changes/
What we’re doing
Every women in our network deserves to have their voice heard. That’s why, on Wednesday 11th March, ten of our members will travel to Parliament Square, London with Right to Remain, Asylum Matters and GMIAU. They hope to speak with MPs about the new proposals, and share the concerns and worries of the women we support.
In the meantime, we will continue to provide a safe space for the women in our network to come together in solidarity, and to find respite from the daily challenges they face.
Whether it’s in person, in your community or on social media, we call on our wider community to stand with the women of WAST to oppose these cruel changes, and call for sanctuary and support for women fleeing trauma and persecution.
Donate to support women seeking sanctuary
Support for our community is needed now more than ever. Please consider donating to help us deliver trauma-informed support, community and wellbeing activities. Thank you.
