As this government starts moving people seeking protection back to a floating prison we say it loud and clear again: Housing people in prison-like conditions is cruel and risks further traumatising people who have had to flee unimaginable dangers and life-threatening situations.
Some of the LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum that we support have already started receiving letters confirming their move in the coming days, which is extremely concerning.
We know that LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum are particularly at risk of harm and can face serious issues when forced to live in overcrowded conditions. People will have limited access to support and they will also not be free to move around the port, so conditions on the barge are very similar to being in prison or immigration detention.
In detention, LGBTQI+ people are likely to experience discrimination and harassment from other people who can hold LGBTQI-phobic views. Trans people can be at even greater risk of abuse.
The people that we work with are worried about being moved to the barge, and are feeling extremely anxious about this possibility and the impact it would have on them. We ask that this government commits to housing LGBTQI+ people in suitable accommodation in the community and safeguarded from harm while they seek to rebuild their lives in safety here.
