A year after violent protests, asylum seekers express ongoing fear and isolation, with charity leaders urging for systemic changes.
One year after a summer of unrest, asylum seekers in the UK are still grappling with a heavy atmosphere of fear and isolation. The riots, triggered by false rumors linking an asylum seeker to a tragic incident in Southport, have left lasting psychological scars.
Charity leaders are sounding the alarm, revealing that the situation remains dire, and many individuals seeking safety feel trapped in a hostile environment. How can we turn this narrative around?
The Unrest: A Closer Look
On July 29, 2022, tragedy struck in Southport, igniting protests that targeted hotels housing asylum seekers.
Misinformation spread like wildfire online, falsely claiming that the suspect was an asylum seeker who arrived by boat. This chaos led to significant unrest, with numerous protests erupting outside these accommodations. Unfortunately, asylum seekers found themselves scapegoated, facing hostility and violence amid the turmoil.
Colette Batten-Turner, Chief Executive of Conversation Over Borders, shared a poignant insight: “It’s been a year since the riots, but for many of the people seeking asylum that we work with, the fear never left.” Her charity has been tirelessly working to counter the negative narrative surrounding asylum seekers, offering messages of support to those living in hotels across the country. Yet, despite these efforts, many individuals still report feelings of isolation and vulnerability. What does this tell us about the ongoing challenges faced by these communities?
The Weight of Fear
Survivors of trauma are now expressing profound exhaustion and distress over their living conditions. Many describe their hotel accommodations as “prisons,” highlighting the severe isolation they endure. Kolbassia Haoussou from Freedom From Torture pointed out that some asylum seekers are so fearful they avoid leaving their accommodations altogether, missing essential appointments and services. “The fear, the vulnerability, it is not just for those people in a hotel, but also for us,” he reflected, sharing his own experiences as a survivor of torture.
As the anniversary of the riots approaches, anxiety about a potential resurgence of violence looms large. Haoussou stressed the importance of not giving undue attention to extremist groups that could further incite violence against asylum seekers. “We are a very vulnerable group of people, and we don’t have much protection,” he stated, calling for a more nuanced understanding of the issues facing migrants and urging the public to recognize that they are not the root cause of societal problems. How can we shift this perception?
Demanding Change
As tensions continue to escalate, charity organizations are calling for systemic changes to improve the conditions faced by asylum seekers. Batten-Turner described the situation at hotels as a “tinderbox,” criticizing the government for failing to learn from past events. “If Labour is serious about change, it must act on its promise,” she urged, highlighting the urgent need for alternative housing solutions.
In response to ongoing unrest, organizations like Conversation Over Borders are advocating for community-based housing solutions, such as the Homes for Ukraine scheme, to provide safer accommodations for asylum seekers. A letter co-signed by 62 organizations, including Refugee Action, has called on the Home Secretary to end the reliance on private contractors and to focus on creating sustainable living conditions for those seeking refuge.
Essex Police have reported an increase in violence during protests at hotels housing asylum seekers, indicating that the situation remains volatile. As the government vows to end the use of hotels for asylum seekers by the next election, advocates are pushing for immediate action to protect this vulnerable population. What can be done to ensure their safety?
Looking Ahead
The ongoing fear experienced by asylum seekers underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform in the UK’s asylum system. Charity leaders are advocating for a shift in public perception and policy, pushing for a more humane approach that recognizes the dignity and humanity of those fleeing violence and persecution. “The majority of us, all we want is the opportunity just to rebuild a safe life,” Haoussou concluded, emphasizing the need for understanding and support for asylum seekers in their quest for a better future. Isn’t it time we listened to their stories and took action?
