BID joins hunger strikers’ calls for their right to claim asylum in the UK

A group of around 30 people currently held in UK detention centres have begun a hunger strike to protest against their scheduled removal to France under the government’s “one in, one out” agreement. 

BID told The Guardian it stands in solidarity with the strikers many of whom will likely lack legal representation.

BID urged the UK government to listen to the demands of those on strike and uphold the right to claim asylum under the 1951 Refugee Convention and to allow their claims to be considered fully in the UK rather than removing people before their claims are heard.

Our client said:

“I would like the public to know about why we are on hunger strike. We decided to go on hunger strike because we have been treated like criminals, we are like prisoners. But we have a reason why we came to this country: to be protected. We have not doing anything against society or to anyone, and that is why we are on hunger strike. We are normal people, and we would like to be free and to have our human rights, and protection.  

We feel powerless, exhausted and low. The Home Office have pushed us to do this. Maybe if people lost their lives, maybe they’re going to do something and make something change."

Our director Charlotte Buckley said:

"We join those on hunger strike in calling for their right to claim asylum in the UK, which is protected under the 1951 Refugee Convention. Claiming asylum is not illegal, yet people are being deprived of their liberty as soon as they reach the UK and threatened with deportation under the UK-France scheme.

We are also concerned that many of them do not have access to legal advice, with our recent reportshowing the lowest levels of legal representation in detention since our records began.

We are worried for the safety of those who are on hunger strike, and urge the Home Office to listen to their demands.”

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