Advocating for a fair Asylum system
On the 28th November 2023 two dedicated members of our Advisory Panel and Campaigns Group, Sadia Sikander and Rudy Centeno, travelled to the heart of the UK government. The Parliamentary lobby witnessed representation from various refugee groups across the North East of England.
In a powerful display of solidarity, 12 campaigners with direct experience of seeking asylum travelled to Westminster. Led by Northumberland County of Sanctuary and supported by Ian Lavery MP they collectively called on MPs and Peers to build a just and compassionate asylum system.
For Rudy Centeno and Sadia Sikander, both active advocates for the rights and well-being of refugees, the lobby provided a unique platform to engage in discussions with several MPs, raising a spectrum of challenges faced by people seeking asylum.
Sadia Sikander said:
Every campaigner talked about different topics so major areas we covered, for example; safe passage, use of different skills of asylum seekers in appropriate way, family reunion and access to English lessons more quickly and for more asylum seekers.
My topic was to cover around people seeking asylum having right to work so I gave them facts and figures.
If Uk government they decide to give asylum seekers right to do work it can save £300m.
94% asylum seekers want to work according to our server. More than 65% of businesses said they would consider offering people seeking asylum jobs. This would allow people to provide for themselves and their families and not to live on £6.43 a day during a cost of living crisis.
“Currently many refugees they are going to be homeless even after they got refugee status. If they had right to do work when they were asylum seeker they wouldn’t be ended up on streets”
Rudy Centeno said:
Being able to share the harsh reality of the current system with our MPs, we hope it will result in a fair and just process in the near future. We will continue to campaign on behalf of those who cannot express in words what we live
“Our aim is a more humane system for everyone seeking international protection”
The House warmly welcomed the lobby, recognising the historical role the UK has played as a sanctuary for those escaping oppression. The acknowledgment of the courage and resilience displayed by those seeking asylum highlighted the potential they bring to enrich the fabric of the nation.
Members of WERS’ community are actively contributing to the discourse of creating a more compassionate asylum system.
The advocacy for a fair asylum system continues and WERS remains strong in its commitment to championing the cause of those seeking refuge in our communities.