NGOs Urge UK Government to Improve Safeguarding Policies for Asylum Seekers Amid Violent Incidents
NGOs call for stricter risk assessments and better protection after asylum seekers report violence and race hate in Home Office accommodation.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are calling for improved safeguarding policies within the UK government's asylum accommodation system following multiple reports of violence and race hate incidents.
The recent incidents, which occurred in Essex, include 20 reported assaults on asylum seekers in a small area, as well as an attack where an asylum seeker was threatened with a knife by a man recently released from prison.
Additionally, slices of bacon were found placed over food belonging to Muslim residents in a communal kitchen fridge.
NGOs claim the Home Office is failing to conduct proper risk assessments to ensure the safety of those in asylum accommodation.
One victim of the knife threat reported a traumatic experience, stating, 'I thought this man was going to kill me.' Another asylum seeker, who was also threatened, has taken emergency legal action seeking to be moved to a safer location.
Maria Wilby, director at Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Migrant Action in Essex, stressed the need for stringent regulations in asylum housing, while Bridget Young, director at Naccom, emphasized the importance of robust safeguarding processes due to the complex needs of asylum seekers.
Nathan Phillips, head of campaigns at Asylum Matters, highlighted the harmful consequences of the Home Office's failure to implement effective risk assessments.
Clearsprings Ready Homes, the contractor managing the accommodation, referred the matter to the Home Office for further input.
A Home Office spokesperson stated that it is government policy not to comment on individual cases, but that concerns raised are investigated to ensure the safety of asylum seekers.
The recent incidents, which occurred in Essex, include 20 reported assaults on asylum seekers in a small area, as well as an attack where an asylum seeker was threatened with a knife by a man recently released from prison.
Additionally, slices of bacon were found placed over food belonging to Muslim residents in a communal kitchen fridge.
NGOs claim the Home Office is failing to conduct proper risk assessments to ensure the safety of those in asylum accommodation.
One victim of the knife threat reported a traumatic experience, stating, 'I thought this man was going to kill me.' Another asylum seeker, who was also threatened, has taken emergency legal action seeking to be moved to a safer location.
Maria Wilby, director at Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Migrant Action in Essex, stressed the need for stringent regulations in asylum housing, while Bridget Young, director at Naccom, emphasized the importance of robust safeguarding processes due to the complex needs of asylum seekers.
Nathan Phillips, head of campaigns at Asylum Matters, highlighted the harmful consequences of the Home Office's failure to implement effective risk assessments.
Clearsprings Ready Homes, the contractor managing the accommodation, referred the matter to the Home Office for further input.
A Home Office spokesperson stated that it is government policy not to comment on individual cases, but that concerns raised are investigated to ensure the safety of asylum seekers.
