MPs raise concerns about LGBTQ+ refugees being sent to Rwanda
MPs are “deeply concerned” that relocating LGBTQ+ refugees seeking asylum to Rwanda could put them at greater risk of harm, according to a new report from the Women and Equalities Committee.
It has called for an “urgent review” of the safeguards in place for vulnerable people in all types of asylum accommodation, including that which currently exists, as well as the Home Office’s proposed use of barges. “Housing vulnerable asylum seekers, including single women, mothers, children and LGBT people, in crowded hotel and other types of contingency accommodation is unacceptable,” part of the report’s summary said. “While use of hotels and other contingency settings persists, there must be effective policies and practices in place to better protect vulnerable adults and children from harm.” READ MORE: Home Office admits LGBTQ+ refugees sent to Rwanda may face “discrimination and intolerance” The Committee, which is chaired by Conservative MP Caroline Nokes, also highlighted “clear risks that the asylum provisions in the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 will have unequal impacts” on certain groups of people, including members of the LGBTQ+ community with “complex sexual orientation and gender-based claims”. “People with vulnerabilities arising from Equality Act protected characteristics, including women with histories of gender-based violence and abuse, children, lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) people, and disabled people, experience unnecessary risks under the Home Office’s management of the asylum process,” the summary continued. “Recent and proposed changes to the system are likely to increase those risks.
