The Faith Communities Forum of the Inter Faith Network (IFN) for the UK has issued a statement calling for the safe, humane and dignified treatment of refugees and those seeking asylum.
‘In a context where the UK and a number of other countries are looking at tightening borders and immigration laws, we call attention to the importance of the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol and to observance of this. There will be differing views on particular policies and their implementation and the factors that have to be taken into account. In all cases, however, the response should aim to reflect the best of our humanity.
‘It is, at this time, for example, a matter of deep concern to us that a policy of “push back” of boats in the channel has been adopted. Regardless of care taken in exercise of the policy, there would be significant dangers both to those “pushed back” and to the Border Force personnel called upon to implement it. We call upon the Government to seek alternative approaches to deal with the crossings’, says the statement.
You can read the full statement on the IFN website.
