London, United Kingdom, August 22, 2024 — Commenting on the Government’s immigration statistics for the first half of 2024, Khusbu Patel, Acting Executive Director of the International Rescue Committee UK, said,
“Today’s statistics are a sobering reminder that there are desperate women, men and children who have no choice but to resort to dangerous Channel crossings as they seek safety from conflict and crisis. The new government must seize the opportunity to end costly and ineffective deterrence strategies, take a more orderly and humane approach and finally reduce irregular journeys.
The statistics show that seven of the top 10 countries people are fleeing from - including Afghanistan, Syria and Sudan - are experiencing conflict and instability. Individuals from these countries who seek safety elsewhere either have no safe route to do so, or – in the case of Afghan nationals – routes have been agonisingly slow.
The IRC has welcomed the new government’s swift creation of a route to reunite Afghan families separated three years ago, but with Parliament resuming soon, there is an opportunity to take a more effective and humane approach. This includes expanding the UK Resettlement Scheme, improving refugee family reunion, and piloting a refugee visa – all of which would offer people fleeing crisis genuine alternatives to risking their lives through irregular routes."