London, UK, April 14, 2022 — Laura Kyrke-Smith, IRC UK Executive Director, said:
“The UK government’s announcement should set alarm bells ringing. It is a cause of deep concern for the welfare of the vulnerable people who arrive on the UK’s shores seeking safety and protection.
"UNHCR has warned that offshore processing can cause “extensive, unavoidable” suffering, as we’ve seen, for example, in Australia. We urge the UK government to fundamentally rethink its approach, uphold the right to seek asylum, and to expand safe routes for refugees.
"The UK public’s generous response and demonstration of support to refugees fleeing Ukraine shows that the British people are eager to offer sanctuary to people fleeing conflict and persecution. With this British kindness and compassion in mind, the government must uphold the Geneva Convention and deliver a fair and effective system of protection for everyone.”