The British Youth Council has expressed concern about the government’s approach to immigration into the country, and has particular concerns about the implementation of the Illegal Migration Bill. The national youth council of the UK, which empowers young people to create social and political change, reiterated its calls for the government to change course. The statement follows an earlier call for the government to rescind its plans to deport people to Rwanda.
Despite opposition from human rights activists and organisations, the government remains resolute in its quest to deliver the Illegal Migration Bill. The United Nations Association has stated the new legislation would contravene the UK’s longstanding commitment to the UN Refugee Convention.
The British Youth Council, which has been campaigning for more than 7 decades, states the measures would go against our duty to protect the human rights of all refugees and asylum seekers. Young people have insisted the government should create safe and legal routes for refugees to ensure we can safeguard the most vulnerable.
Zara Khan, Chair of the British Youth Council said “Refugees need and deserve our care and support. We know that young refugees and their families are often facing the worst situations, compounded by those who seek to take advantage of their unique vulnerabilities.
“We believe it’s imperative for the government to create safe and legal channels for refugees if we are to end this crisis meaningfully.”
Campaigners in the youth voice movement believe that we must work together and in solidarity to find a solution that distributes responsibilities across the whole of Europe. They also called for a coordinated human rights response to asylum seekers and urged the responsible institutions and governments for a common policy on asylum, including but not limited to, long-term plans for legal routes for asylum seekers.