Our statement on the Government’s plan to send people seeking safety to Rwanda

The Government’s plan to send people seeking safety to Rwanda is inhumane and will have terrible consequences for the young refugees we support. The proposal does nothing to protect victims of trafficking, children and young people who have arrived alone without their families, or anyone seeking asylum without access to safe routes. It only punishes and harms those who are most in need of support. 

The children and young people Young Roots work with have fled war and abuse to seek safety. They have often made long and traumatic journeys to the UK, and suffer from mental health issues such as difficulties sleeping, eating, social anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, and stress. 

This plan is creating additional anxiety amongst young people who most need to be protected. 

Since the plan’s announcement on April 14th, our teams in Brent and Croydon have been receiving calls and messages from distressed young people we work with, and others who are extremely worried about what the plan will mean for them. 

“I have had several conversations with young people, all who have been extremely worried about the Rwanda transfer scheme. Questions range from whether they will be sent to Rwanda, how it will affect their families who they are aware are traveling to the UK and the implications on pending Family Reunion Applications.” - Shonam, Senior Caseworker in Croydon 

We are extremely concerned about the impact this plan will have on young people’s wellbeing, sense of belonging, and ability to heal from trauma and safely rebuild their lives. The proposal has received universal condemnation from the refugee sector and beyond. The plan goes against the principles of the Refugee Convention and the UK’s responsibility to welcome and support people seeking asylum who’ve arrived in our country.  The UNHCR has said the plan “would not comply with the UK’s international legal responsibilities” and that it would be “unworkable.”      

As we wait for more information on the plan, our teams will intensify efforts to support young people, particularly with early access to legal advice as well as mental health support. 

 The response to the crisis in Ukraine has seen communities standing together to welcome refugees and calling for more compassionate policies for people seeking safety in our country.  We will continue to work with you and partners to stand against these proposals.  

We urge you to continue to support young refugees and our work however you can, and to make your voices heard against these cruel proposals.