The recent passing of the Rwanda bill has left us feeling disheartened and concerned. It’s a move that seems to prioritise politics over people, and the implications are serious—it will put the lives of people seeking sanctuary, including innocent children, at risk.

Here’s the thing: the Rwanda scheme is flawed. It will allow the government to forcibly expel people seeking safety, putting them at risk of real danger and human rights abuses. Not only does it go against international law, but it also disregards the warnings of our own Supreme Court. That’s a big red flag.

But it’s not just about legalities. This scheme undermines the very fabric of our communities. It divides us, shortchanges our potential, and ignores the contributions that refugees can make to our society. It’s time to say “enough” to these harmful policies and demand something better.

Because here’s the thing: we know we’re better than this. We’ve seen the generosity and compassion of our communities in action. We’ve witnessed the resilience and strength of refugees who have made their homes here. We can’t turn our backs on them now.

So, what can we do about it?

1. Raise Your Voice: Let others know why the Rwanda Bill is a bad idea. Share your concerns and speak up for those who might not have a voice.
2. Extend a Helping Hand: Support organisations that provide essential services and assistance to refugees, such as St. Augustine’s Centre and Light Up BAHC. Every little bit helps.
3. Educate Yourself: Take the time to learn about the experiences of refugees and the challenges they face. Understanding leads to empathy, and empathy leads to action. City of Sanctuary have produced a handy resource to help you have well-informed conversations about asylum – you can find it here. Or, check out Refugee Action’s factsheet for the Rwanda Bill.
4. Engage with Leaders: Reach out to elected officials and policymakers. Urge them to reconsider their support for policies that prioritise politics over people’s lives. You can also use Freedom From Torture’s digital tool to contact the airline AirTanker, which is being lined up for these deportation flights, demanding they withdraw from the scheme. Follow this link to take action.
5. Join Forces: We can amplify our voices and push for change. Join Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary. Get involved with Together with Refugees latest Fair Begins Here campaign. We won’t back down in the face of this cruel setback.
   

Let’s show the world that the UK values compassion, fairness, and humanity. That we stand for universal human rights and a fair plan that works for everyone.