Thank you for reading this edition of Together.
We will continue to walk with refugees. As ever, I’m amazed by our supporters’ dedication and solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers. Whether you ran for JRS UK in the London Marathon, spoke to others, arranged a donation of toiletries, or led a prayer session at your local church – all of it means the world, especially in this increasingly hostile environment.
On 25th April, the so-called ‘Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill’ received Royal Assent and became an Act of Parliament. This new legislation, and the Rwanda Plan as a whole, is dangerous. Not only does it present numerous human rights concerns, but it shirks the UK’s responsibility towards refugees. JRS UK continue to comment and campaign against this cruel scheme, and you can keep up to date with what we have to say here.
On top of the fear of possibly being forcibly removed to Rwanda, people seeking sanctuary in the UK continue to face so many other challenges, some of which we discuss in this edition of Together.
In this issue, you’ll hear updates from JRS’ work in Sudan; from Sophie, Senior Policy Officer, on her new report on continued abuse and mistreatment in detention; from Michael, Senior Legal Officer, on the importance of our Legal Project; and from friends, who share touching reflections on some of our recent celebrations together.
Thank you for walking with us.
"It was the first time in my life that I had gotten to celebrate my birthday, so I was super happy and pleased"
Karim, JRS UK Refugee Friend
Take a peek inside...
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Sudan
Page 2
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has forcibly displaced nearly 9 million people, making it the most severe displacement crisis globally. Though the crisis has faded from headlines, the horrendous humanitarian situation persists, with protection, education, (mental) health support, and shelter urgently required.
From our kitchen to yours!
Page 3
Basarat, head chef at the JRS Social Drop-in, shares her recipe for Jollof Rice & Fried Chicken, a firm favourite here at JRS UK. Would you like to eat with us? Why not try this tasty recipe at home?
Our Home
Pages 4-5
The theme of Refugee Week (17th – 23rd June) this year is ‘Our Home’. The Accommodation Project share some reflections on what ‘home’ means to refugee friends and At Home hosts alike.
Learn more about the At Home hosting scheme
P.S. stay tuned for our next report on refugee homelessness, out 25th June!
After Brook House
Pages 6-7
In May, JRS UK published our latest research report, After Brook House: continued abuse in immigration detention. It shows clearly continued abuse and mistreatment across immigration detention, seven years on from the abuse revealed in the Brook House Inquiry Report.
Access to good quality free legal advice
Pages 8-9
Poor provision of legal services means that people seeking asylum in the UK are often unable to find a good quality solicitor to help guide them through the complexities and the hostility of the asylum system. Michael, Senior Legal Officer, reflects on the importance of the JRS UK Legal Project, and invites you to walk the London Legal Walk with us.
The importance of celebrating together
Pages 10-11
Mny refugee friends supported by JRS UK experience long, protracted period of legal limbo and destitution. Spending time and celebrating together is an important opportunity to form friendships, support one another through ups and downs, and think of something else whilst waiting for a decision on their asylum claim.
You're invited...
The London Legal walk brings together law firms, barrister chambers, corporations and organizations, like JRS UK, to walk 10km across London, all to raise funds for not-for-profit and legal aid providers. This year, JRS UK will be walking in support of its own in-house Legal Project.
