British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood formally announced the measures on Monday, aimed at strengthening controls on irregular arrivals while maintaining the country’s commitment to providing refuge.
She told the House of Commons that some families whose asylum applications had failed were not being deported “even though we know their homes are perfectly safe”.
The proposals include new rules to manage the assessment of asylum applications, provisions for safe and legal resettlement pathways and mechanisms for the return of people who do not need international protection.
“Refugees are not migrants”
Commenting on the announcement, UNHCRUK Representative Vicky Tennant said: “Refugees are not migrants. These are people fleeing conflict, instability and human rights violations – circumstances no one would voluntarily choose.
“Fair and effective asylum systems are essential to quickly identify refugees and provide them with the protection they need. »
UNHCR welcomed the UK government’s dual priorities of ensuring the safety of those in need of protection while strengthening border management.
Ms Tennant stressed that this approach should be combined with well-managed migration pathways for those moving for economic reasons and effective mechanisms to return those who do not have valid claims.
Share responsibilities
The agency also encouraged the UK to continue to cooperate with its European and other partners to share responsibility for refugees, citing agreements such as the “one in, one out” system between the UK and France.
“With adequate safeguards in place, legal transfers of some asylum seekers to other countries can be part of a responsible approach,” Tennant said.
UNHCR stressed that for recognized refugees, protection goes beyond the initial grant of asylum.
“Security means a stable status that allows them to rebuild their lives, reunite with their families and seek long-term solutions,” added Ms. Tennant.
The agency stressed that short-term arrangements and strict limits on family reunification can prolong uncertainty, compromise integration and add administrative complexity.
The agency also highlighted the importance of safe and regular routes, such as the UK’s resettlement scheme and initiatives for Syrians, Ukrainians and Afghans, as alternatives to dangerous travel.
Unprecedented travel
“It is in everyone’s interest to invest in refugee integration from the start,” Ms Tennant said.
UNHCR emphasizes that in a time of unprecedented global displacement, empathy, efficiency, shared responsibility and international cooperation are essential.
The agency stands ready to work with the UK and other governments to ensure access to asylum, uphold rights and promote social cohesion.
Publicado anteriormente en Almouwatin.
