We all know that immigration detention is unjust and inhumane. Now the UN Refugee Agency has published evidence showing that a new compassionate approach could be a reality in the UK.
We need MPs to see this report.
The report covers two UK pilot projects where people were supported with their asylum or immigration cases in the community rather than being detained.
Compared to locking people up in detention, providing legal counselling and personalised support in the community was more humane and resulted in significant improvements in mental health and wellbeing.
At the same time, there was no evidence of reduced compliance with the Home Office and the projects were both cheaper and offered better value for money than detention. So why is this government doubling down and planning to open three new detention centres?
The harm that detention causes is unjustifiable. For LGBTQI+ people, being cut off from communities of support and subjected to discrimination and abuse inside can make it even worse.
Thank you for helping us spread the word that there is another way.
